Cooking rice must be the starting point of any Asian cookbook. Focus on this as it will carry the flavours of all the other food you serve with it. As rice is the centre point of most Asian meals, it must be perfectly cooked, no matter whether you’re preparing a beautiful banquet or a simple meal.

Never fear — below is a simple and easy method to cook rice in a pot.

However, there is an even easier way, and that is to buy an electric rice cooker. It is a ‘never fail’ and I count it among my most important pieces of kitchen equipment. If you can, buy one, or at least put it down on your wish list for Christmas or your next birthday. It will keep your rice warm while you make the other dishes for family and friends and, if you follow the simple instructions, your rice will be perfect every time. Always cook extra rice as it can be refrigerated or frozen to make simple but delicious fried rice dishes later. So, let me say it one more time — get a rice cooker and it will all become simple and perfect.