INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 ½ cups water (or broth)
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 small bay leaf (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar (hotel trick!)
- Optional: 1–2 whole cloves or cardamom pods for aroma
INSTRUCTIONS
- Rinse the rice:
Wash rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness. - Use broth or seasoned water:
Instead of just water, use chicken or vegetable broth for deeper flavor—this is what many hotels do for luxurious taste. - Add fat for richness:
Stir in butter or a bit of oil. It adds shine and a smooth, rich texture. - Add acidity (the secret trick):
A splash of lemon juice or white vinegar helps keep the grains separate and enhances the rice’s natural flavor. Many hotels do this to avoid mushy rice. - Season and aromatics:
Add salt and optional aromatics like bay leaf, cloves, or cardamom for subtle fragrance. - Cook:
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes (for white rice). - Let it rest:
Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes. This step finishes cooking the rice gently. - Fluff and serve:
Remove any whole spices or bay leaves. Fluff rice with a fork and serve!
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