Rice cookers simplify cooking rice, but the water to rice ratio is key. They can cook any type of rice, but the type determines the water amount and pre-cook treatment. Use filtered water and measure carefully. After cooking, leave the rice untouched for five minutes before fluffing and serving. Other liquids can be used, but keep the same ratio of liquid to rice.
Rice cookers simplify preparing rice by eliminating the need for stirring the pot or cooking time. Like cooking method, the key factor in perfect rice is the water to rice ratio, which depends on the type of rice, not the rice cooker’s instructions. It’s also possible to cook other varieties than plain white rice in a rice cooker, making it a versatile appliance. As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the appliance, even when changing the proportions or ingredients.
The best thing about rice cookers is that they can cook any type of rice properly: short-grain, long-grain, brown and basmati rice all come out perfectly. The type of rice will determine both the amount of water and the pre-cook treatment before putting the rice in a rice cooker. If the rice might have talcum powder, stones, or twigs in it, rinse it once or twice until the water runs clear. Some varieties of rice, such as basmati, may need to be soaked before cooking to reduce cooking times, even when using a rice cooker.
Use filtered water for the best flavor when cooking rice in a rice cooker, especially if your local water contains chemicals that could affect the taste. Carefully measure both the rice and the water using a water measuring cup, not the cup that came with the rice cooker. Measurements on the rice cooker pot are only useful when making the exact type of rice that the cooker was designed for – usually short grain white rice. When cooking any other type of rice in a rice cooker, use the same ratio of water to rice as with the stovetop method. The rice cooker automatically cooks to the correct temperature, which is achieved when all the water has evaporated, and will take different amounts of time for each variety of rice.
After cooking, leave the rice untouched for about five minutes before opening the lid. If the rice is not cooked, add a few tablespoons of water, stir and press the “cook” button again. It should go out pretty quickly after the additional water has boiled away. Then fluff the rice with the scoop and serve.
Substitute another liquid for all or part of the water if you want a different flavor from the rice. Use broth, juice or coconut milk to complement the main course of the meal. For best results, be sure to keep the same ratio of total liquid to rice in a rice cooker.
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