Jersey Fresh Tip #5

PERFECT RICE EVERY TIME

A lot of home cooks are left perplexed by rice, and don't always know how to make "perfect" rice every time. Either it's too chewy, or it's still hard in the middle, or it doesn't absorb all the water...you name it. In fact, I myself have had to throw out an entire batch of rice because it just would not cook.
Anyway, here is how you make that perfectly fluffy and delicious rice each and every time.

The ratio of water to rice is 2 to 1 (2 parts water, to 1 part rice). So, if you have 2 cups of water, put in 1 cup of rice. Get it? Good.

In a pot big enough to hold the water and rice, bring the water to a boil, and drop in about 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp butter (butter is optional, but it gives the rice a great flavor). Allow the butter to melt completely, and pour in the rice. Give it a quick stir, turn the heat to about medium, and put the lid on the pot with a small crack to let the steam out. LEAVE IT ALONE for about 7-8 minutes. Don't lift the lid, don't touch the heat, don't stir it - leave it alone. After 7-8 minutes, lift the lid to check the rice. There should be little holes starting to form on the surface of the rice and the water should be just about absorbed. Put the lid back on, still leaving a crack for steam to escape. After about 2 more minutes, check again - the water should be completely absorbed. If so, turn off the heat, stir the rice and put the lid back on tightly (no cracks this time). Let it sit for another minute or two to "steam" inside the pot.
Lift the lid, fluff it with a fork, and enjoy!

Cooking times will vary depending on your oven, your pot, and which type of rice you are using.