Washing Rice

We always wash rice before we cook it. The first time my English father-in-law saw me do this he looked on incredulously but I’ve never known any different. Washing removes the excess starch and as a result you get beautiful, soft, fluffy rice. Put the rice in the pan you will cook it in and then pour over lukewarm water. Gently, taking care not to crush the lovely long grains, swish the rice and water together to release the starch. Pour the water away and repeat a few times ‘til the water starts to run clearer. This was one of my first chores as a child and I remember standing for what felt like hours repeating this process. It only actually takes a few minutes. Once it is washed a few times you can cook it or leave it to soak.