Washing Rice

Traditionally, rice had to be picked over and any stones or rubble discarded. Most modern-day rice is clean enough to not require checking, but rice bought in sacks may still need picking over. Some rice cooks better if it has been soaked first — basmati and sushi rice being two examples. Soaking makes the rice less brittle. But most rice can be cooked without being soaked. One point to remember: if you do wash or soak your rice before cooking it, remember to drain it thoroughly, particularly when cooking by the absorption method, or you will have too much liquid to cook the rice properly.