🌟 Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati works great)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter taste)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced (optional, but adds flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf (optional, for aroma)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on broth’s saltiness)
- A splash of lemon juice or vinegar (optional, enhances fluffiness)
🍚 Instructions
1️⃣ Rinse the Rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing sticky rice.
2️⃣ Sauté for Flavor:
- In a pot, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 2 minutes).
3️⃣ Toast the Rice:
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring for 2-3 minutes until slightly toasted and coated with oil. This enhances the nutty aroma and prevents mushiness.
4️⃣ The Secret Liquid:
- Instead of just water, pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth). This infuses the rice with rich, savory flavors.
- Add a bay leaf and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for extra fluffiness and brightness.
5️⃣ Simmer Perfectly:
- Bring to a boil, then immediately lower to a gentle simmer. Cover with a tight lid and cook for 12-15 minutes (depending on the rice type).
- Don’t lift the lid during cooking — steam is key!
6️⃣ Let It Rest:
- Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes. This ensures the moisture evenly distributes.
7️⃣ Fluff and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf, then fluff the rice gently with a fork.
✨ Pro Tip: For extra aroma, some hotels even stir in a teaspoon of olive oil or a pat of butter after cooking for a glossy, luxurious finish.
Would you like me to include some topping or side dish ideas to turn this into a complete meal? 🍽️✨