Plain White Rice

People are usually surprised when I tell them that I cook my rice in the microwave. It comes out great, and NO, it is not sticky and lumpy at all.
This is how I make my plain rice in microwave for everyday use. Plain rice goes very well with Indian and Chinese cooking.



Ingredients:

1 cup of Basmati rice (Rinsed/washed and drained)you can use any rice, does not have to be Basmati)

2 cups of water

1 teaspoon salt (optional)

1-2 teaspoon Olive oil

1 teaspoon of lime/lemon juice



Method:

* Wash the rice thoroughly in water in a microwave safe 3 quart container, I use corning ware 3 quart casserole with glass cover.

* Take all the water out, then add 2 cups of water to cook the rice.

* Add salt, lime/lemon juice and Olive oil, mix with rice so the salt is evenly distributed.

* Cover the container with glass cover or plastic wrap.

* Program your microwave for rice to be cooked at high power for 10 min and then at 50% power for 10 min.

* When time is up, take the casserole out of oven an remove the glass cover.

* With a wooden spoon gently turn the rice so all the grains are separate.


This plain rice can be service as side dish with Indian curries and Chinese dishes. This can be used as base for lot of rice dishes for example Cilantro rice or you can garnish this plain rice with caramelized onions (and peas for green color) with hint of cumin seeds in olive oil.


Recipe and Photograph by Surekha.