Rice is a widely eaten dish that can be paired with almost anything and everything. As simple as it may seem to make, it does need good technique and perhaps a little bit of math. Here are two methods that will help you achieve perfect rice every time!

You know how some food can be simple, yet a tad bit intimidating? That is cooked rice for many people. Here’s the good news, I have 2 methods to achieving the perfect white rice every time!

White rice is one of those dishes that is eaten in almost every part of the world. As such, there are a variety of methods it can be cooked. First, let us talk about some different types of rice, as I feel knowing the differences will help you determine how each type is cooked.

Different Types of Rice

1. Long-grain Rice

This type of rice is popular and common in African and American cuisine. It is the go-to type of rice for dishes that need long cooking time such as Nigeria’s jollof rice or rice pilaf. Many long-grain rice products come parboiled or non-parboiled.

The parboiled kind has been pre-cooked in its husk and is considered healthier than its non-parboiled counterpart. This type of rice requires more of a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio. In other words, two cups of water should be used for one cup of long-grain rice.

2. Short-grain Rice

Aka sushi rice, is a starchy type of rice because of its high amylopectin content. It is often used for sushi because of its sticky texture and appearance. Short-grain rice cooks faster than long-grain rice, a good example is Arborio rice eaten popularly in Italy.

It is the go-to rice for dishes like risotto. The starchiness is responsible for how creamy it is prone to be when made. Short-grain rice can be in both white or brown versions. A 1:1 water and rice ratio is recommended.

3. Basmati Rice

Despite Basmati being homegrown in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, it has become a favourite in so many dishes across the globe. It is distinct for its aromatic taste and how quickly it cooks.

A simple 1:1 rice and water ratio is needed to make yourself the best pot of basmati rice. Take its flavour up a notch by adding a light drizzle of olive oil and some salt to taste.

4. Brown Rice

Popularly known as the healthiest type of rice in the market. Brown rice is known to be significantly higher in fibre, magnesium, and many other nutrients than white rice.

White rice actually begins out as brown, it becomes white rice when it is stripped of its bran, husk and germ. This process undoubtedly increases the shelf-life of white rice but also depletes its nutrients.

5. Jasmine Rice

If you have never tried Ghanaian jollof rice, you are missing in jasmine action! Jasmine rice is a fragrant long-grain rice native to Thailand, it is known for its distinct floral scent.

It cooks slightly shorter than long-grain rice.

These are some key types of rice mentioned above, however, there are many other types from various cultures around the world. Today’s white rice recipe will be using long-grain rice, there are two different methods that I am sharing.