How to make basic rice

By far the easiest way to make rice is by using a rice cooker. If you’re thinking of buying a rice cooker but don’t know what to look for, make sure you check out our handy guide:

Choosing a rice cooker

If you’d prefer to make rice on the stovetop, try following these simple steps.

Step 1

Rinse medium or long grain rice under running water until the water runs clear. Drain well. This will stop the rice from becoming overly sticky.

Step 2

Add a dash of extra-virgin olive oil to a saucepan and gently heat. Add the rice and a large pinch of salt, and gently stir to coat the grains. Stir the rice on a medium heat until it becomes opaque and fragrant.

Step 3

Add two parts water to every one part rice. Pour the water in at a steady pace and do not stir it after adding the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then turn the heat to low and cover the saucepan.

Step 4:

Check the rice after about 15 minutes. When the water has all evaporated and small holes appear in the surface it’s finished cooking. Fluff up the rice with a fork and serve immediately.

Add stock

One of the simplest ways to flavour rice is to add liquid or powdered stock to the pot. If you opt for powdered stock, add it in place of the salt in step 2. If you choose liquid stock, add it in place of the water in step 3. If you would prefer a lighter flavour, try adding half stock and half water.

Add spices

When it comes to adding spices to rice, there are endless options for flavouring the pot. While you can pick your own mix of favourite flavours, we’ve included some of our favourite recipes that take the guesswork out and guarantee you perfect results.

Add coconut

Loved in the tropics, and the perfect accompaniment to seafood, these dishes sing with the sweetness of hot summer days. Here, you have the choice of adding shredded or desiccated coconut for a little bite, or substituting part of the liquid for coconut milk. These two recipes are the easiest way to master coconut rice, and will give you the perfect launching pad for making your own tropical-flavoured creations.

Add onion or garlic powder

For a little depth, and a warming flavour that pairs well with meat, try adding a ¼ teaspoon onion or garlic powder to the pot. Simply add the powder with the salt in step 2.

Add herbs

When it comes to adding herbs and spices to your rice, you can choose to either add them to a precooked pot of rice to maintain their colour and delicate flavour, or adding them to the pot along with the liquid in step 3. One of the best herbs to add to rice is coriander roots and stems. Simply give them a good scrub before adding them to the pot with the liquid, and you’ll be rewarded with a flavourful mix that’s perfect for pairing up with a stir-fry.