Cooking Rice With A Morphy Richards Steamer: A Quick Guide

Cooking rice is a challenge many people face, but with a Morphy Richards steamer, you can achieve perfectly fluffy rice every time. The process is simple and only requires a few steps. First, gather your ingredients and equipment: rice, water, a measuring cup, a strainer or colander, and a spoon or spatula. The type of rice is important, with long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine being ideal for steaming. Next, measure and wash the rice, using a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. After rinsing the rice, you have the option to soak it for 30 minutes to improve its texture. Then, it's time to prepare your steamer by filling the water reservoir halfway and placing the rice in the steamer basket, ensuring it's spread out evenly. Seal the steamer and set the appropriate cooking time, which will vary depending on the rice type and manufacturer's instructions. Once the rice is cooked, let it rest in the steamer for 5-10 minutes to ensure even cooking. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork or spoon and serve it alongside your favourite dishes.

Rice and water ratio: 1:2

How to Cook Rice in a Morphy Richards Steamer

To cook rice in a Morphy Richards steamer, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to wash the rice thoroughly before cooking. Rinse the rice 1 to 2 times with cold water to remove any extra starch build-up from broken grains or other debris. You can do this directly in the rice cooker pot, using your hand to move the rice grains around. Drain the water when it starts to change colour and repeat if necessary.

Next, add the rice to the steamer. For a 1:2 rice to water ratio, use a measuring cup to measure out 1 cup of rice and add it to the steamer. Then, add 2 cups of water to the steamer.

Place the steamer on the heat and turn it to high. Cover the steamer and cook for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during the cooking process, as this will affect the cooking performance and could cause the element to burn out.

Once the rice has cooked for 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the steamer with the lid on for at least 5 more minutes. This allows the rice to rest and ensures that it is cooked through.

Finally, open the lid and fluff the rice with a rice paddle or fork before serving. This will break up any clumps of rice and ensure that it is light and fluffy.

Tips for Cooking Rice in a Morphy Richards Steamer:

• The Morphy Richards steamer is a great way to cook rice for the whole family, with a large 9-litre capacity.
• The steamer produces instant steam, so there is no long waiting time before you can start cooking.
• The 60-minute timer and alert bell make it easy to cook the rice consistently without having to watch it constantly.
• The steamer is also easy to clean, with a removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe components, including the lid and compartments.
• Remember not to keep cooked rice in the steamer for longer than two hours, as this can affect food safety and quality.

Variations:

While a 1:2 rice to water ratio is a good starting point, you may need to adjust the ratio depending on your personal preferences and the type of rice you are using.

For firmer rice, you can use a 1:1.5 ratio, or even a 1:1 ratio for very firm rice. If you prefer softer rice, you can increase the water ratio to 1:2.5 or 1:3.

Additionally, different types of rice grains will absorb water differently. Longer-grain rice will typically need more water, while shorter-grain rice will need less. So, you may need to experiment with the ratio to find the perfect amount of water for your preferred type of rice.

Cooking rice in a Morphy Richards steamer is a simple and convenient way to prepare rice, and with the right rice to water ratio, you can achieve perfectly cooked rice every time.

Rinse the rice

Rinsing the rice is an important step in the rice-cooking process as it removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier grains. To rinse the rice, place it in a strainer or colander and rinse it under cold water. Gently stir the rice while rinsing to ensure that all the grains are thoroughly cleaned. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, indicating that the rice is now ready for the next step.

The amount of water used for rinsing will depend on the quantity of rice being prepared. For every cup of rice, it is recommended to use two cups of water for cooking. However, if you choose to rinse the rice, it is important to reduce the water by two tablespoons per cup of rice as the grains will retain some moisture. This adjustment ensures that your cooked rice doesn't become overly soft or mushy.

It is worth noting that while rinsing is a common step in preparing rice, it is not always necessary. If you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your rice and prefer a slightly stickier texture, you can choose to skip the rinsing step altogether. However, if you do decide to rinse, just remember to make the necessary adjustments to the water quantity to achieve your desired rice consistency.

The rinsing process is a simple yet effective way to ensure your rice is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for cooking. By taking the time to rinse and gently stir the grains, you are not only removing excess starch but also ensuring an even and consistent cook, resulting in perfectly fluffy rice every time.

Soak the rice

Soaking the rice is an optional step, but it can improve the texture and ensure even cooking. If you decide to soak the rice, the first step is to rinse it. Place the rice in a strainer or colander and rinse it under cold water, gently stirring it to remove any excess starch. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, indicating that the rice is clean.

Next, you'll want to place the rinsed rice in a bowl and add enough water to completely cover it. Allow the rice to soak for around 30 minutes. While the rice is soaking, you can prepare the steamer by filling the water reservoir or pot with water. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to understand the correct water level for your Morphy Richards steamer model. Generally, it's best to fill it halfway or as recommended by the manufacturer.

After the rice has soaked, you can proceed to the next step of transferring the rice to the steamer basket. Ensure that the rice is spread out evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Avoid overcrowding the steamer, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

Prepare the steamer

To prepare the Morphy Richards steamer for cooking rice, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need rice, preferably a long-grain variety such as basmati or jasmine, and water. The general rule of thumb for the rice-to-water ratio is 1:2, so for every cup of rice, you will need two cups of water. Adjust the quantity based on your desired servings.

Next, fill the steamer's water reservoir or pot with the appropriate amount of water. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to understand the right water level for your specific steamer model. As a general guideline, aim to fill it halfway or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Now, prepare the rice by measuring and washing it. Place the desired amount of rice in a strainer or colander and rinse it under cold water. Gently stir the rice to remove any excess starch, continuing to rinse until the water runs clear, indicating that the rice is clean.

After measuring and washing the rice, you have the option to soak it. Soaking the rice before steaming is not necessary, but it can improve the texture and ensure even cooking. If you choose to soak, place the rinsed rice in a bowl, cover it entirely with water, and let it soak for about 30 minutes.

Once you have completed the above steps, you are ready to add the rice to the steamer. Take the washed or soaked rice and spread it evenly in the steamer basket, ensuring you do not overcrowd it to avoid uneven cooking. Place the steamer basket on top of the water-filled reservoir or pot, ensuring a tight seal.

Finally, before turning on the steamer, refer to the manufacturer's instructions to set the appropriate cooking time for your specific rice variety and quantity.

Rice resting period

Allowing rice to rest after cooking is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture and ensuring it is properly cooked. This is true whether you are cooking rice on a stove, in an oven, a microwave, or a steamer.

When cooking rice in a Morphy Richards steamer, the resting period is just as important. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the steamer with the lid on for at least 5 minutes. This allows the steam to distribute evenly throughout the rice, resulting in fluffy grains.

The resting period also gives the rice time to finish cooking and absorb any residual water. This is essential for achieving the desired texture and ensuring the rice is not overly soft or sticky.

For best results, use a fork or spoon to gently fluff the rice after the resting period. This will help to separate the grains and enhance the texture further.

It is important to note that the rice should not be stirred during the resting period, as this can affect the even distribution of steam and the final texture of the rice. Simply let the rice sit undisturbed in the steamer until the resting period is complete.

By following these simple steps and allowing the rice to rest, you will be rewarded with perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time.

Frequently asked questions