Rice: One versatile grain packed with nutrients.

But if you ever tried preparing rice, you may have experienced a firsthand dilemma. These include a burnt layer at the bottom of the pot, a soggy mess, and overflowing boiling water.

So, what is the best water to rice ratio? How long should the grain? What about the rest and absorption period?

Find out the answers to these questions and how to make the best brown rice every time (no rice cooker required)!

The Perfect Fluffy Brown Rice

Yield: 6 servings (1/3 c each)

Nutrition per serving: 70 calories, 0 g fat, 2 g protein, 15 g total carb, 1 g fiber

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice (short grain or medium grain will work best, just ensure it is not a quick-cooking variety)
• 6 cups water
• Salt or other seasonings, as desired

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil, using 6 cups of water to 1 cup of rice.
Tip: Rinse the rice in a colander under running water to remove excess starch from the outside of the grain.

2. Add rice to the boiling water. Reduce the temperature enough to maintain a steady, slow boil. Continue to boil uncovered for about 30 minutes.

3. Drain the excess cooking water and return the rice to the pot. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, remove from heat and allow to rest for 10 minutes.

4. Fluff with a fork, season as desired, and serve.

Using Brown Rice as a Side or Base

Now you know how to cook brown rice perfectly, you may be wondering what to do with it. But there are so many ways to enjoy cooked rice!

Various ways to use this perfect brown rice is as a base or side for a number of recipes, including:

• Seafood gumbo: A hearty bowl of gumbo featuring lean chicken, robust sausage, fresh shrimp, and the "holy trinity." And the seafood broth is sure to marinate the rice with rich flavor!

• Stir-fry: Simple fried rice recipe which can include both animal and plant-based proteins. The rice can also be bulked with veggies and seasoned to perfection with favorite flavorings.

• Indian creamed spinach: This unique side dish flavored with cinnamon, garlic, and other fragrant seasonings. It can be paired with a number of other recipes, including rice.

• Burrito bowl: This better-for-you burrito bowl is a guilt-free way to enjoy the south of the border flavor. A base layer of rice is topped with chicken, beans, corn, bell pepper, tomato, and red burrito sauce.

• Stuffed chicken with rice: Rice tends to sit alongside chicken, though this recipe changes the standards! A juicy, tender chicken breast is stuffed with rice then topped with a fragrant demi-glace.

All-in-all, rice is one versatile grain that complements a wide variety of dishes. And not to mention, the fiber, B vitamins, and other nutrients it brings to the table!