France usually doesn't come to mind when the topic of cooking rice comes up, but Camargue red isn't a usual rice, either. Camargue red is an organic rice cultivated in the Camargue region of France, near Provence. Location makes Camargue red different from other rice; the Rhone irrigates the paddies, and Mistral wind and Mediterranean sun dry the grains. Camargue red gets its color from pigments in the germ, which remains undisturbed during harvest. You have to cook Camargue red using a combination simmering-steaming method, and, because of the intact germ, you can expect a tender but satisfyingly toothsome bite.

Rinse the Camargue rice in a mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and add it to a saucepan or pot.

Cover the rice with a few inches of cold water or stock and season it to taste. Camargue rice will almost absorb an equal amount of water, and you need enough to keep it boiling continuously for 30 minutes.

Bring the stock or water to a boil and cook the Camargue rice for 30 minutes. Drain the Camargue rice in a mesh strainer for about 10 seconds and return it to the saucepan.

Cover the saucepan with a thick tea towel or a folded kitchen towel. Place a heavy lid or cover on the saucepan and set it aside off the heat.

Allow the Carmague to sit for 10 minutes to steam, then fluff it with a fork. Drizzle olive oil or a little butter over the rice and work it in with a fork, if desired.