How to Cook Rice in an Electric Roaster | eHow
Rice is one of the most versatile staple grains available. One of the most utilized grains around the world, rice comes in many varieties and styles. While rice is generally boiled on the stove or steamed to completion, there are a number of other methods that can be used. With a few easy steps, you can cook your rice in an electric roaster.
Clean the rice in preparation of cooking: Pour the rice out onto a flat surface like a baking sheet. Pick through the rice and discard any discolored or otherwise undesirable grains. Remove any small pebbles, insects or other undesirables. Place the cleaned rice in a separate container and repeat until all of the rice is clean.
Pour the rice into a mesh strainer. Rinse the rice thoroughly, letting water run over it for at least 30 seconds. (Some rice manufacturers use talc in the milling process, which has some toxic properties.) Rinsing will also remove surface starches and will make your rice less sticky after cooking.
Soak the rice if necessary. Certain rice types, like basmati, are meant to be soaked prior to cooking. Older rice will also benefit from soaking, softening up the grains and preventing breaking. Soak the rice for roughly 30 minutes, and drain thoroughly to prevent adding too much water in the cooking process.
Preheat the electric roaster to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Add your rice to the roaster with water in appropriate ratios according to your rice type or package directions. Follow the standard ratio of two parts water to one part rice if no directions are present. Add additional water if the rice is not completely covered with water.
Bring water to a boil. Let rice boil, five minutes for white rice, 8 minutes for brown or other whole-grain rice. Uncover the roaster and stir the rice. Re-cover the electric roaster and turn down the heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Check on the rice after 30 minutes. If not finished, cook five to ten minutes longer.
Add a pinch of salt to the roaster prior to boiling. Salt particles in the water assist in boiling.
Keep an eye on water levels in the roaster. Water can be lost through steam easily and cause the rice to be scorched.
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