There is no denying that when it comes to Middle Eastern cooking, the best part is the rice! Though some may say it’s the bread, I would beg to differ.  Seriously, nothing brings me as much joy and comfort as enjoying a warm bowl of steamed white rice, topped with my favourite lamb or chicken stew.

Being of Iranian descent, I grew up having only long-grain rice, which I still absolutely love. Then one day, at a friend’s house, I was served calrose, and was absolutely floored by the flavour, texture and just how addictive it was, especially when paired with a stew. I just couldn’t stop eating it, and kept going for thirds and even fourths.  Today, and after over a decade of eating it regularly, I still go for at least thirds and love it just as much as I do my Mama’s perfectly cooked Iranian rice.  But which do I love more? In all honesty, I can’t really say… Let’s just say I love them both equally.

I’ve already covered how to make Iranian rice; check out blog post: PERFECTLY COOKED IRANIAN WHITE RICE

Now, for the calrose: how to ensure perfect texture, fluffiness and flavour? Check out the steps below:

1. Wash your rice thoroughly in a strainer about 3 or 4 times, or until the water runs somewhat clear to remove any excess starch.
2. Place in a bowl, cover with water and leave to soak for at least 2 hours to ensure maximum fluffiness.
3. Before cooking, start boiling some water in a kettle
4. When ready to cook, heat some neutral oil (such vegetable oil) and ghee in a pot.
5. Once hot, strain the rice and add to the pot. Mix to blend with the oil and ghee and to toast the rice.
6. Season generously with salt then pour in the boiling water (rule: 1 cup water for every 1 cup rice).
7. Once it starts to bubble, reduce heat to the lowest setting and cover with a lid. Leave to cook for 20 minutes, then take off the heat and leave to steam with the lid on for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Take off the lid, fluff the rice with a fork or spatula and serve.

It really is as easy as that! For a proper recipe, check out Calrose Rice in the Pantry on the yufeed app.