Beginner's Rice

For some reason, folks are afraid to try to make white rice unless it comes pre-packaged in a packet or a box (not bulk). Here's a fool-proof recipe that will have you making rice as a side dish three nights a week. I've been making it this way for years and I mostly use basmati rice that I buy in the big bags. However, I also frequently use the cheap, plain white rice that comes in 2 and 3-pound plastic bags and this recipe works just fine.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  cup white rice, dry
• 2 2⁄3 cups tap water
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a 3-quart saucepan, bring the water, salt, and butter to a rolling boil. Add in the dry rice and stir.
2. Reduce the heat to very low, a simmer, and cover.
3. Check the rice after 12 minutes and stir. If it's gooey-looking or still wet, re-cover and check it again in 5 more minutes. It should be done at this point.
4. Fluff it up with a spoon and take it off the heat. Cover again until you're ready to serve.