The Secret to Perfect Rice: What Hotels Do That You Might Not Know
Cooking rice might seem straightforward, but there’s a “little-known secret” that can elevate your rice from ordinary to extraordinary: using broth instead of water, along with a few aromatics.
Ingredients and Preparation:
Start with 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef). Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter, then sauté 1 small chopped onion and 1-2 minced garlic cloves until fragrant. “If you’re using a bay leaf or fresh herbs, add them at this stage for extra flavor.”
Toasting and Cooking:
Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast it, enhancing its flavor. Pour in the broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Final Touches:
Let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. This simple method results in “perfectly fluffy and flavorful rice,” turning a basic side dish into a star on your dinner table.
