How to make the perfect rice

1. Rinse the rice well in 4-5 changes of water to wash off the starch. It’s ready to cook when the water stays pretty clear when you agitate the rice.

   

2. Put the rice in a saucepan and fill with fresh cold water to a (clean!) fingernail’s height above the level of the rice. Add a sprinkle of salt.

   

3. Bring the rice to a simmer, cook for 1 minute, then cover with a tight-fitting lid, remove from the heat and leave to steam for 20-25 minutes.

   

4. Once the rice is cooked, there should be no water left to drain off. Fluff the rice through with a fork and serve.

   

Golden rules

• Keep rinsing until the water stays clear.
• Once the rice is bubbling, don’t stir it.
• Don’t peek until the full amount of cooking time is up.
• Lifting the lid lets out the steam and stops it cooking.