This is why I don’t wash my rice (and you don’t have to either)
Hi, my name is Emma and I’m addicted to rice. And for the very best rice, you’re supposed to wash the grains first. I simply don’t.
‘Rinse the rice with cold water until all the water running off it is clear,’ is how many a recipe involving rice begins. A step I invariably skip.
Why I don’t wash my rice
I’ve written before about how to cook perfect rice every time. And yes, my first tip there is also to wash the rice. This rinses off the starch, making the rice fluffier and less likely to clump together. And yes, that does taste a little better, which is why I did it for a while, but honestly? I can barely taste much of a difference.
Too much effort
I’m certainly not lazy—I’m happy to put some effort into my food—but I don’t think the effort of washing rice is worth the result. It’s not that much work, but I just want to throw the rice straight into my pan. I don’t also want to get a sieve or carefully pour the water off the rice three times, which always means losing some grains. Hello, food waste! Another downside to washing rice: even if you drain it, there’s always some water left with the rice. That makes it much harder to measure the exact right amount of water.
Extra delicious
Fortunately, I still get compliments about the rice every time people come over for dinner. They say it’s always extra delicious at my place. I’m telling you: laziness pays off. If you measure the rice correctly and cook it until the water has evaporated (as I explained in the piece above), everything will be fine. Of course, if Nigella Lawson suddenly comes to visit, I’ll happily rinse those grains. Or if I’m hosting a big dinner and want to put a grandiose pilaf on the table. But who feels like taking an unnecessary step for a quick meal after work or exercise—or after lounging around all day? Exactly no one. I always skip these 8 recipe steps too, by the way.
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