Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine, basmati, or any variety of your choice)
• 2 cups water (for most rice varieties)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Rice:

• Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

2. Soak the Rice (Optional):

• Soaking the rice is optional but can help achieve fluffier results. Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak for about 15-30 minutes, then drain.

3. Prepare Your Steaming Setup:

• Use a steamer basket or a rice cooker with a steaming function. If you don't have a steamer, you can use a regular saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and a fine-mesh strainer that fits inside the saucepan.

4. Boil Water:

• In a separate saucepan, bring about 1 inch of water to a boil. You'll use this water to create steam for the rice.

5. Add Rice to Steamer:

• Place the rinsed and drained rice into the steamer basket or strainer.

6. Steam the Rice:

• Set the steamer basket or strainer over the boiling water, ensuring that the rice is not in direct contact with the water. Cover with a lid.

7. Adjust Heat:

• Reduce the heat to low, so the water simmers gently. The steam will cook the rice.

8. Steam the Rice:

• Allow the rice to steam for about 15-18 minutes (timing may vary depending on the type of rice you're using).

9. Check for Doneness:

• To check if the rice is done, use a fork to fluff it. If the rice grains are tender and all the water has been absorbed, it's ready.

10. Rest and Serve:

• Remove the rice from the steamer and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow any residual steam to finish cooking the rice.
• After resting, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

11. Serve:

• Your steamed rice is now ready to be served as a side dish, as a base for other recipes, or as part of your meal.

Steamed rice serves as a versatile and essential accompaniment for a wide range of dishes, from curries and stir-fries to beans and vegetables. You can customize it by adding herbs, spices, or flavorings to match your preferred cuisine.