Open Pan Method

Many cooks have their own favourite ways of cooking rice. One method is the open pan or excess water method, boiling it in a lot of water like pasta. Allow 1.5 litres (2½ pints) water to 250g (8oz) rice. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt either during cooking or afterwards, remembering that rice absorbs salt very easily. Long grain rice takes 12-15 minutes; brown rice 30-35 minutes; basmati rice 8-10 minutes. Easy-cook rice needs a few minutes extra cooking time and because of its slightly harder outside layer doesn’t spoil if overcooked.