Preparing and Cooking Rice

Most modern brands of rice have much of the loose starch removed so it is not necessary to rinse or soak. The cooking times given here are for unsoaked rice. There is no need to rinse or soak easy-cook rices. Rinsing and soaking, though, is traditional for basmati rice and gives a lighter, more delicate texture. To rinse, tip the rice into a large bowl with cold water, swilling the grains round with your hand. Let it settle, then pour off the water. Repeat 2-3 times more until the water becomes clearer, then soak with more fresh water for 30-60 minutes, drain and cook. Soaked rice needs less water and shorter cooking times than unsoaked.