Basic Pursuits

I'm forever seeking ways to eat whole grains (yep, I want to live longer). I eat a lot and really can't get enough calories eating just protein, fruits and vegetables. I've got to eat grains. There are a lot of good reasons to eat whole grains.

My three staples are oatmeal, bread and brown rice.

I've never been satisfied with the way I cook brown rice. It's usually too mushy or too crunchy. About a year ago I saw this article by Steve Pavlina on how to cook brown rice. I dismissed it thinking that it couldn't work. Doesn't use enough water, I hurrumphed.

But yesterday I decided to try it, and lo and behold, it produced nearly perfect brown rice. Plus it's simple and easy.

Put 1.5 parts water in a pot with 1 part rice. Bring to a boil with the lid off then turn the heat down to a simmer and cover. After 20 minutes, turn the heat off completely and let sit covered for at least 10 minutes, longer (up to 20 or 30 minutes if you like it mushier). You're done.

My apologies to Steve Pavlina for doubting and my thanks for publishing this extraordinary solution to the brown rice conundrum.

How to Cook Brown Rice

Photo by Jim