TheGirlsMum
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Cooking RiceHelp 
Why is it that whenever we try to cook rice it always ends up mushy 
We always wash our rice before cooking but it doesn't seem to help.
has anyone got a fool proof method required for this fool 
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MrsWW
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I'm regularly cooking small amounts of rice (enough for 2).
I got myself a Lakeland microwave steamer a few years ago. Basically, it's a pot with holes in the bottom, inside a slightly bigger pot (without holes) and a lid.
Put your rice in (no need to wash) with salf (if required) and then pour over boiling water to come about half way up pot, put in microwave on full power for 6 minutes. After this, give it a stir and put it on for another 5 minutes. Meanwhile boil the kettle. After the full cooking time, lift the holey pot out of the other one and hold it over the sink whilst pouring over freshly boiled water. Allow to drain and then serve - perfectly fluffy rice every single time.
I LOVE my Lakeland microwave rice steamer (and no I don't work for them so don't get commission LOL).
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TheGirlsMum
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Oh dear, I said to hubby that I thought my cousin used a steamer and it looks like a Lakeland trip might have to be on the cards........So better compose a shopping list.
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MrsWW
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If you're anything like me, my hubbie pales at the sight of a Lakeland catalogue having come through the door  In fact, he's even been known to try and hide it - cheeky git 
He is fortunate though that we don't have a store near here 
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TheGirlsMum
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We have one in the big city but I only venture there about twice a year and have already been once this year.
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MrsWW
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I can highly recommend their mail order service and their customer services staff are second to none - nothing is too much trouble for them.
I usually pay a visit to the shop in Exeter when down at my Mother-in-Law's for a visit.
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Kathy
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What kind of rice are you trying to cook?
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polgara
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I put the rice in a saucepan put cold water in to about 1/2-3/4 inch above the rice, put the lid on, bring to the boil, simmer for about 5 mins then turn off the heat & leave for about 15-20 mins. Result dry rice which just needs a quick fluff. 
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morlan75
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Seriuosly 1/2 hour in cold water soaked to remove the starch, then rinsed thoro in a colander then boil for 5-7 mins max not 10 to 15 like the packets say (unless so called "wild rice" wich will take 15-20 mins on the boil even soaked).
Rinse in cold water and before serveing pour over a HOT kettle full of water to re heat. (got tought this by a Bengal freind).
Enjoy! sticky rice is great for homemade Sushi but is carp for curry, chilli etc the above has NEVER failed me 
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TheGirlsMum
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Boiling Basmati or long grain Kathy but would love to move on to mastering fried rice.
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Kathy
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Like Morlan, an Asian friend of mine told me the best way to cook Basmati and I use the same method for most types of rice. Wash the rice thoroughly till no more starch is left (or as near as possible),a quick rinse in the colander is not enough! Leave the rice to soak in cold water for about an hour (less works fine). Bring enough water to the boil for the rice to move freely in the pan. Pop some oil and salt to taste in the boiling water. Add the rice. It only take between 5 and 8 mns for white basmati to cook, check it frequently and drain when there is just a wee bit of bite left in the rice. I run a bit of cold water over the rice to stop it cooking. The rice cooked this way fries well too. Reasons for stickiness are too much rice for water and over cooking. 
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agapanthus
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I just boil mine in plenty of salted water for about 12 or so mins, then throw in a colander and run under a very hot tap....good results every time! ....saves on all the soaking time!
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Libby
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I use basmati rice all the time, never rinse first, big pan of boiling water, add rice, boil for 10 mins, drain then pour a kettle of boiling water over, perfect everytime and I always get compliments on it too.
For a dinner party, so your not fiffing and faffing about, boil as above, put into greased foil and pop in the over to steam for a short while! Not to high a heat though!
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Aqui
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how about brown basmati, how long does that take with the soaking first method?
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Kathy
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Around 20mns Aqui, hope you didn't want this answer for today's dinner!
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Libby
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Aqui
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Thanks Kathy! Fortunately we were having noodles last night. Rice tomorrow (according to my meal plan!)
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