Chinese doctors believe that rice strengthens the spleen and pancreas and is soothing to the stomach. It also increases the body’s qi, or energy. A diet of rice gruel is prescribed for digestive disorders and fevers.
MAKES 6 CUPS
I prefer the fragrant and drier long-grain varieties of white rice, such as basmati and jasmine, which are now easily found in supermarkets. And my new secret with this book is the fabulous results I get from cooking rice in a microwave. It’s terrific and requires no pots. Just use a soufflé dish or any heatproof bowl with a plate on top. Remember that the rice will continue cooking even after being removed from the heat.
2 cups long-grain rice such as jasmine or basmati
3¼ cups cold water
To make conventional boiled rice: Put the rice in a bowl and, using your fingers as a rake, rinse under cold running water to remove some of the talc. Drain in a strainer. Combine the rice and water in a heavy, 2-quart saucepan with a lid. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 14 to 15 minutes, until the water has evaporated and craters appear on the surface. Remove from the heat and fluff lightly with a fork to separate the grains. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Serve immediately. (Or, if using for fried rice or a pilaf, spread out in a thin layer on a tray, let cool completely, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator overnight.)
To make the rice in a microwave: Rinse and drain as above, then transfer to a 3-quart soufflé dish or heatproof bowl. Add the water. Cover with an oven-safe plate or microwave cover and place in the microwave. Microwave on high for 12 minutes, or until just cooked. Remove from the microwave, fluff lightly with a fork, and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. To save even more time, use a microwave rice cooker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Chinese doctors believe that rice strengthens the spleen and pancreas and is soothing to the stomach. It also increases the body’s qi, or energy. A diet of rice gruel is prescribed for digestive disorders and fevers.