Rice in the microwave

I mentioned in another forum that we cook our rice in the microwave, and I think it shocked some folks. I love using the microwave for it, for it's truly one-pot cooking if I can just add the other ingredients to the cooked rice, using the same bowl the rice cooked in.

To cook rice, I use a 9" Pyrex glass bowl - a little bigger is better so water won't overflow the sides when it starts going.

1. Add 1 3/4 - 2 cups water* to 1 cup of rice
2. Cover bowl
3. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes, then MEDIUM/50% for 15 minutes
4. Let stand a couple minutes before removing the lid

Fluff with a fork and that's it. Some people rinse and drain their rice first to remove some of the starch. Brown rice takes a little longer on the 50% cycle - 20 minutes, maybe. You'll get the hang of it.

Once the rice is done, you can add a little butter and spices, or stewed tomatoes, or cream soup concentrate and meat...Just whatever strikes your fancy. You can also substitute broth or stock for the water, and the rice will absorb that liquid; the added salt/fat may have a slight effect on the cooking time.

* Regarding the water, experiment and see how you like it best. For a moister rice, use two full cups water.