Cooking rice can be an art and a novice can mess it up real bad if the simple instructions are not followed. The basic process is always combining rice, water, and heat however there are many underlying factors that determine the final product. When I first started cooking there were many questions which I always asked how much water, the duration and the flame should it be on high or low. The rice that is fluffy and non sticky is always appeasing to the eyes.

Rice has been the staple diet of South India I am obsessed with rice and can make n number of dishes from left over rice. My husband is irritated with the obsession I have with rice. Well coming from the southern part of India where rice is practically eaten in every meal as in form of idlis or dosas to lemon or tamarind rice in the main course. For every Indian without rice the meal does not feel complete, many of my neighbors who are maharashtrians dig chapatti but end their meal with curd rice for easy digestion.

-You will need dry rice and water

-Salt as per taste

- oil or butter

- To cook an open pot with lid

- A spatula for stirring  

There are lots of different rice varieties, and you have to know your rice type before you start cooking with it. Here are a few of the most common:

Food has its own beauty somehow every nation has its own specific brand of food that it grows and has a special methodology of cooking. I have had the pleasure of traveling to many parts of the world and have picked up on various traditions in the way they serve rice. Practically cooked all the types one time or the other and have stuck with white rice for daily purposes.

White Rice:

It is the predominant form of rice used in all parts of the world, it looks no different as in it is rice without its outer shell or husk. It's the most common rice used in cooking and is a staple of many diets the world over.

Brown Rice

I have seen brown rice in sailsburys and ICA but was always intrigued as to why would people have this kind of rice. This rice is brown in color like the name signifies with all the goodness still retained in it. The health conscious prefrerred it due to the benefits its bran had to offer. Not what I would personally have so cannot possibly elaborate on this.

Read this for more info as to why brown rice is more healthier

Basmati Rice

Basmati Rice is originated in India and Pakistan, it is long grained rice. The Kohinoor brand is a famous label when it comes to food stores in United kingdom and other parts of the world. This rice is predominantly used in Biryanis, both Chicken and Vegetarian. This fragrant rice adds an extra flavour to the entire dish and takes it to a whole new level. Not to mention the amount of calories it contains as this is one of the starchy food, but we Indians kind of love biryanis and are ready any day for food biryani.

From India, basmati rice is a long-grain variety of rice that extends when cooking. It can be white or brown and is noted for its fragrance and firm grains. It's also particularly starchy, so it should be soaked before cooking.

Jasmine Rice

This rice is a little thicker than the normal size of rice, it is used in thai dishes. The famous red chicken curry would be incomplete without this rice. Origin is from Thailand. It was a cheaper version and costed less in Sweden so we kind of explored it taste difference is very minute but with thai recipes it is a major hit.

The two most common ways in which we have cooked it since ages is

• To remove the starch from the rice, Heat water in a pot and then add oil and salt to it, then after it is boiling on high flame, add rice and boil for say about 10 to 15 minutes depending on the quantity of rice. Check on a spatula if the rice is done and then drain the water through a strainer and serve the rice. This rice is non sticky and has very less calories in comparison to the normally prepared rice. It is perfect for stirring in some fried vegetables, a dash of pepper, soya sause in a wok and you are ready with Chinese fried rice in a jiffy. It is as easy as it gets.

• Using a Rice Cooker, Science and technology has changed the way we have lived since ages and thanx to the invention such as rice cooker life is a lot simpler for us. These gadgets really come handy when you are juggling career and home got this as a wedding gift and have loved it. Use it occasionally as love the earlier method of removing starch. If time is of essence then using a rice cooker is highly recommended. Switch it on, add one portion i.e. say one cup rice to that add double the amount of water, salt and butter as this helps in non stickiness and set the temperature and the timer. You will be done in 15 minutes, it will keep the rice warm just like the way you want it.

Here is an easy to follow guide that will make cooking rice fun.

• Measure the amount of dry rice you intend to cook, if you are having guests over then take more than you normally consume. Keep it aside
• The next step is to rinse the rice, in India there are many chemicals used prior to packaging for increasing the lifespan of the product. We have to wash in 3-4 times with clean drinking water to ensure it is clean and edible. For most everyday meals, you can get good results without soaking your rice. If I'm using older rice, I soak it for about 30 minutes, which makes the grains less brittle and prone to breakage. For basmati rice it is recommended so that it reaches its full length and looks lovely in the dish.
• Measure water. For basic standard white rice remember this proportion for good that is always double the amount of water to dry rice For brown rice, use about two and a half times the amount of water as rice.
• Add salt and two table spoons oil in the boiling water as it not only gives a shine to rice but also makes it non sticky in nature.
• After a boil add rice to it, remove the lid and cook rice till you reach a boil. Remove the lid and let it boil. As soon as the rice begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. You have to remember this temperature modulations are necessary first high and then low flame will certainly give you desired results.
• Keep stirring with a spatula in between and then let the water evaporate and turn the heat off and cover the pot. This entire process may take about 15 minutes. Switch off the gas and let it cook in the steam it has generated for better results.

Your rice is ready to serve and enjoy the freshly cooked with a curry of your choice.