Be it lunch or dinner, if hot, white and fluffy rice is available in the plate, then the taste of the food increases. But sometimes while making rice at home, the grains stick together and the rice becomes so soft that it becomes pudding-like. In such a situation, people often start blaming the quality of rice, whereas the reason for this could also be the wrong way of cooking.
To make rice tasty and each grain separate, it is important to wash it properly, pay attention to the amount of water and let it rest for some time after cooking. If you also want to make restaurant-like rice at home, then definitely follow these easy tips.
1. Don't forget to wash the rice thoroughly
The excess starch present on the surface of rice grains gets mixed with water during cooking. Because of this the rice may become sticky. Therefore, instead of putting the rice directly in the cooker, wash it thoroughly with clean water. It is usually useful to wash the rice with water 2 to 3 times. Every time drain out the water and add new water. This removes much of the excess starch on the surface and can improve the texture of the rice.
2. Soak rice for 15-20 minutes before cooking
If you want the rice grains to swell well and look long and blooming, then after washing them, you can soak them in water for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Soaking the rice grains pre-absorbs water, allowing them to cook more evenly. However, the amount of water after soaking should be adjusted according to the variety of rice and cooking method. Some varieties of grains may become too soft if soaked for too long.
3. Pay special attention to the amount of water
A common reason for sticky rice is adding too much water. At the same time, if there is less water, the rice may remain undercooked. Therefore, it is important to add water according to the variety of rice, its quantity and the cooker.
Generally one can start with about 1.5 to 1.75 cups of water for 1 cup of rice in the cooker. This ratio may vary according to the variety of rice, soaking time and model of cooker.
If you have soaked the rice earlier, you may need to reduce the amount of water. When preparing rice for the first time, follow the instructions on your cooker and the advice given on the packaging of the rice.
4. Do not open the lid as soon as it is cooked, let the rice rest for a while.
Many people immediately open the lid of the cooker as soon as the gas is turned off and start stirring the rice with a spoon. Doing this may break the hot and delicate grains. If you stir too much, the texture of the rice may get spoiled.
After the rice is cooked, turn off the gas and let the pressure in the cooker release safely. After this, leave the rice covered for about 5 to 10 minutes, so that the grains can set properly with the remaining steam.
Keep in mind: Do not open the pressure cooker forcefully. Before opening the lid, make sure that all pressure inside has been released.
5. Separate the rice with a fork instead of a ladle
Avoid stirring the rice vigorously after it is cooked. Repeated stirring with a heavy ladle may break the grains and make the rice appear lumpy.
Instead, gently lift the rice from bottom to top with the help of a clean fork. This process helps in separating the grains and can also release the steam trapped between them.
If a fork is not available, a thin rice spoon can also be used to gently separate the grains.
6. How beneficial is it to add ghee or lemon juice?
Some people add half a teaspoon of ghee or a few drops of lemon juice to water while cooking rice. Ghee adds a mild aroma to the rice and can form a thin layer of grease on the grains, making them less sticky.
Lemon juice can have some effect on the color and texture of rice, but it does not guarantee that the rice will always remain white and separate. If you prefer plain rice, it is not necessary to add ghee or lemon. Right amount of water and proper cooking method is more important.
Easy way to make puffed rice
If you're in a hurry and want to remember the correct way to prepare rice, keep these points in mind:
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Wash rice thoroughly before cooking it.
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If you want, keep it soaked for 15-20 minutes.
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Add water according to the variety of rice.
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Do not overcook the rice in the cooker.
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After cooking, release the pressure and let the rice rest for some time.
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Finally, separate the grains gently with a fork or spoon.