How to Bake Rice

This method of cooking rice in the oven rather than the stovetop curbs the urge to remove the lid and disrupt cooking. The results are a delicious, well-cooked rice with perfect texture. Jasmine rice is used for its flavor and aroma, and brown rice is used for its texture.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 3/4 cup brown rice
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 rib celery, minced (optional)
• 1 cube chicken bullion
• Salt and pepper
• 3 cups cold water
• 1 medium to large ovenproof skillet with lid
• 1 sieve

How to Make Baked Rice

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Put both kinds of rice in sieve and rinse under cold water until water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.

3. Place skillet over medium heat on stovetop and add olive oil.

4. When oil shimmers, add onion, garlic and celery; sautee until onion is translucent (2 to 3 minutes).

5. Add rice to the skillet and sautée, stirring to coat the grains with oil. Add bullion cube, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add 3 cups cold water to rice. Cover and bring to a boil, then stir to dissolve bullion cube.

7. Remove from heat and place in oven. Bake for 35 minutes, until water is absorbed.

8. Remove from oven and fluff rice with a fork. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• For additional flavor, color or texture, add herbs, spices or diced vegetables before placing the rice in the oven. Additions include cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika, diced carrots, bell pepper, minced rosemary or thyme.

[bmi57]

on 12/17/2007 I have never heard of jasmin rice. This sounds very tasty, can't wait to try it. Thanks.