Cooking Perfect Rice

Basic Rice, Vegetarian Cooking 101

Yield: 4 cups cooked, or 4 - 6 servings
Rice is the basis for many a vegetarian meal. If you can cook a pot of rice, you'll never starve. Fortunately rice is one of the simplest, easiest things to cook.

Helpful Hints

• We use long grain basmati rice, and these proportions work for that. Different types of rice will need more or less water. Shorter grains usually need a bit less, longer grains more.
• For brown rice, soak it for 1 - 4 hours, discard the soaking water, and increase the cooking time to 45 minutes. You may need a little more water.
• Short grain rice is sweeter and stickier. Use slightly less water. If your rice is too sticky and soft, use less water next time, or switch to a long grain variety
• If your rice is undercooked, but all the water is gone, add a few tablespoons more water, cover, and simmer for 5 - 10 more minutes.

You'll need:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 2 c. water for brown rice
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 sturdy 2 quart pot with a tight fitting lid, essential for even cooking

Directions:

1. If using brown rice, set aside to soak for 1 - 4 hours
2. Rinse the rice in a colander until the rinse water is clear
3. Drain completely and place in the pot with the water, salt and oil
4. Cover with tight fitting lid and bring to a boil
5. Turn burner to very low or simmer and cook for 1- 15 minutes
6. For brown rice: turn burner to very low or simmer and cook for 40 - 45 minutes
7. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes with lid on
8. Fluff gently with a fork and serve

Things to eat with rice

• Combine any of these suggestions as the spirit moves you
• Cook with a few thinly sliced carrots, celery or green beans
• Add frozen peas at the end.
• Add some olive oil and herbs or spices
• For lacto veggies, add some butter & parmesan cheese
• Incorporate veg sausage pieces, fried tofu pieces, seitan or tempeh
• Serve with soups or stews
• Sprinkle with soy sauce or braggs
• Add a few toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds
• Make rice pudding with left over rice
• Add some mashed tofu, herbs and spices, make into patties and fry
• Fry with some oil and tomato sauce, wrap in a burrito with some refried beans, guacamole or salsa