3 Ways To Prepare Rice At Home

Rice is one of the oldest staples and is present in dishes around the world, whatever the gastronomic tradition of the region. It is an inexpensive and very versatile ingredient, so preparing rice at home can be used to accompany meats or fish, or directly be the real star of the meal.

Here are three ways to prepare rice at home. We assure you that they will be to your complete liking and that, in addition, you will be able to please all your guests.

The perfect way to prepare rice at home 

Preparing a simple white rice can be more complicated than it seems; a good rice should be loose and with a good texture. The result and the way of preparation will depend on the variety of rice used (there are more than two thousand), and other factors such as the weather, among others.

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons of salt (20 gr).
• 2 cups of rice (400 gr).
• 4 cups of boiling water (1 l).

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (20 gr).

Preparation

• Heat the oil in a pot and add the rice.
• Stir until the rice is transparent.
• Add the boiling water, salt and stir.
• Cover and cook over very low heat for 17-20 minutes.
• Let stand covered for 5 minutes before serving.

This white rice can be used as a garnish to accompany meats, fish or vegetables or to prepare salads. You can add minced garlic or onion for added flavor, or replace the water with chicken or vegetable broth.

Lemon rice

This is a recipe to prepare rice at home in a different way; a great method to get out of the routine. Lemon rice serves as a garnish for all kinds of dishes.

Ingredients

• Salt to taste.
• Juice of 2 lemons (20 ml).
• 1/2 cup of chopped coriander (50 gr).
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (20 gr).
• 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder (3 gr).
• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger (5 gr).
• 2 cups of cooked white rice (400 gr).
• 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds (10 gr).
• 1/2 cup of dried fruits (walnuts, almonds, etc.) (100 gr).

Preparation

• Put the oil in a frying pan. When hot, add the mustard seeds, dried fruit, ginger and curry. Stir constantly for 2 minutes.
• Add the cooked rice and lemon juice and stir well. Leave 3 or 4 more minutes, or until the rice is hot.
• Add a touch of chopped cilantro and serve.

Mushroom and rice risotto

The risotto is an Italian rice recipe that has become very popular worldwide. It is ideal to prepare rice at home with a lot of variety; A type of short rice is used, which has a greater amount of starch and to which various ingredients can be added.

This dish has a creamy consistency that makes it irresistible. It differs from dry rice in that the latter is not stirred when it receives the liquid, and all the liquid is added at once. In the risotto , add liquid and stir, little by little.

Ingredients

• 1 onion (40 gr).
• 2 cups of rice (400 gr).
• Olive oil to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste).
• 1/2 stick of butter (50 gr).
• 1/2 glass of white wine (50 ml).
• Grated Parmesan cheese to taste.
• 1 liter and a half of vegetable broth (celery, carrot, onion and garlic).
• 2 cups of mushrooms and portobellos. You can also choose another variety of mushrooms, as you prefer (400 gr).

Preparation

• Prepare the vegetable broth. To do this,  put two liters of water in a pot and add celery, onion, carrot and garlic cut into large pieces. Add a little salt and cook over low heat for approximately 35-40 minutes. Then reserve.

• Clean and cut the mushrooms and portobellos; lightly brown them in a frying pan with olive oil and a little garlic. Reserve.
• Cut the onion into small squares (en brunoise ).
• In a large frying pan, add a drizzle of oil and add the onion. When it is transparent, add a little butter and stir well.
• Add the rice and let it brown for 2 or 3 minutes.
• Pour in the white wine and let it evaporate, stirring constantly.
• Add the mushrooms, a ladle of stock and stir constantly, in circles.
• When the broth is almost completely consumed, add another ladle and continue stirring. Repeat this step several times.
• When the rice is ready (cook for approximately 17 minutes to make it “al dente”), remove from the heat and add a good piece of butter and Parmesan cheese.
• Stir well and serve.

As you can see, these three ways to prepare rice at home are neither science nor do they require expert knowledge. It only takes a little effort and practice to take their hand and surprise everyone with these delicious and eye-catching dishes.