6 easy ways to keep rice grains separate and prevent them from sticking

Rice or rice is one of the most ubiquitous and popular food grains in the country. Whether you eat it with dal, or make some scrumptious kheer out of it, or just have it in a one pot biryani or khichdi – there is no escaping the gamut of rice dishes in Indian cuisine. A common question that home cooks and beginner cooks often ask is how to keep rice grains separate and prevent them from sticking to each other. There are some tips and tricks that can be used to ensure that the rice you cook is puffy, light, airy and simply delicious. These easy techniques will make rice taste so delicious, you won’t even need to serve it with.

Here are 6 easy ways to keep rice grains separate and prevent them from sticking together:

1. Wash it properly

The importance of washing rice properly cannot be stressed enough. The idea is to let go of all the excess starch during the process The preparation phase itself. Put water in rice in a utensil, stir well with hand and drain the water. Repeat this process at least twice or until the water starts to run clear.

2. Soak before cooking

Soaking the rice is another essential step which we often forget. Amidst our busy schedules, we often skip the soaking process, especially for rice. But this is what makes the rice super fluffy, keeps the grains separated and tastes delicious every time! Make sure the rice is soaked for at least 30 minutes.

(Also Read: South Indian curd rice gets a makeover with this unique recipe,

3. Correct water:rice ratio

We all have a general rule of thumb for measuring the ratio of rice and water. Whether it’s using your index finger or any other indicator you can use, it’s important to get the ratio of water and rice right to make the best quality steamed rice. Ideally, cook and expert chef Recommend a ratio of 2:1—that is, two cups of water for every cup of rice.

4. Don’t move too much

Once the rice is boiled, a common mistake people can make is stirring the grains too often. This draws out as much starch as possible from the long grain rice and makes them stick together. So, always make sure to keep shaking to a minimum and do it only if absolutely necessary. This will keep your rice grains long, puffy and separate.

(Also Read: Give Rice a Healthy Twist With These 5 Nutritious Recipes,

_{Let the rice come to a boil and avoid stirring it frequently. Photo: iStock}

5. Cook with the lid on

Not many people know that for cooking rice, the option of cooking with the lid closed is ideal. This is because it seals the steam inside and ensures that each grain is properly cooked and separated. The water simply remains inside the vessel instead of evaporating into thin air.

6. Let it rest

Now that the rice is boiled and cooked well, always let them rest for a few minutes. it will give it a nice finish And let it absorb the steam properly so that it separates without sticking. Serve over long grain, puffy and beautiful steamed rice with a curry of your choice!

So, the next time you’re trying to cook rice, be sure to keep these tips handy and ensure excellent results every time.