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1
To wash the rice, place it in a bowl or pot and add plenty of cold water.
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2
Stir the rice and water round and round with your hand, then pour off the water.
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3
Repeat two or three times, until the water runs clear after you have swished it around.
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4
Transfer the rice to your rice-cooking pot or rice cooker.
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5
Add enough water to cover the rice by about 1 inch.
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6
Test the depth of the water by placing the tip of your index finger on the top surface of the rice; the water should come up to the middle of your first knuckle.
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7
(This is the usual way of measuring water for plain rice in Southeast Asia and in the cultures weve been in southern China.
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8
If you prefer a cup measure, drain the washed rice thoroughly in a strainer, then place in the pot with 2 1/2 cups water.)
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9
If using a pot, place the pot over high heat.
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10
When the water is boiling, cover tightly, lower the heat to medium-low, and cook for 10 minutes.
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11
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook, covered, for another 6 to 7 minutes.
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12
Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes, still covered.
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13
If using a rice cooker, put the lid on and turn it on.
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14
(The cooker will automatically bring the water to a boil and then lower the heat and cook it until done.
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15
You will see an indicator light change color or turn off when the rice is done.)
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16
Once the rice is cooked, let stand for 5 minutes, covered.
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17
When you remove the lid from the pot or rice cooker, you will see that the grains on top have fluffed and are standing on end.
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18
Rinse a wooden rice paddle or wooden spoon with cold water and slide it down the side of the pot, then tilt to lift up some of the rice gently and turn it over.
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19
Repeat all around the sides of the pot.
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20
Serve hot or warm.
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21
Leave the lid on, to keep in warmth and moisture.
