Rice
In the 2.5 years together we ate SO MUCH RICE. In our view, it’s the perfect side dish for most meals.
Today, Brenda’s showing us her 4 go-to ways to cook rice: on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, in a Slow Cooker, and in the oven.
Rice - Stovetop
In a rather deep pot, combine:
2 cups rice, rinsed
4 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp butter
Bring to boil. Stir. Reduce heat to low. Cover. Cook 20 min. Fluff with fork. Serve hot.
Rice - Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)
In the removable pot of the pressure cooker, combine:
2 cups rice, rinsed
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp butter
Put pot in pressure cooker and lock lid in place. Select the "Rice" cycle. Once complete, allow the natural release for 5 minutes. Release remaining pressure (carefully) and fluff rice with a fork. Serve hot.
Rice - Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
To the bowl of a slow cooker, add:
2 cups rice, rinsed
3 3/4 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp butter
Cover with lid. Select "high" and cook 2 hours. Fluff rice with fork. Serve hot.
Rice - Oven
In a greased casserole dish, combine:
2 cups rice, rinsed
4 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp butter
Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake 350F for 45-55 minutes. Fluff rice with fork. Serve hot.
Alternate: Use boiling water and bake for 20 minutes.
Brenda’s Tips:
The serving size on a rice package often shows 1/4 cup dry. Brenda generally plans 1/2 cup dry per adult.
Brenda fluctuates between using butter or olive oil, both work great.
Brenda generally uses inexpensive long-grain rice. Rinsing the rice helps get great results every time.
Steam is the most important element for great rice. That's why each of these recipes recommends a lid or cover while the rice is being cooked. If you remove the lid while it’s cooking, the steam will be released and the rice may not cook properly.
Brenda often uses basic rice as a side to round out dinner. Chicken broth or beef broth can be substituted or spices and herbs can be added to enhance flavor. Brenda will eventually share a few of her favorite methods.
Ovens, slow cookers, pressure cookers, pots, and pans are not all consistent. You may find that you need to adjust cooking times slightly for perfect results. Brenda expects that you use her recipes + know your own kitchen = optimal deliciousness.
