NO FAIL RICE

if you're cooking basmati or jasmine rice, this recipe will become your new standard.

for this recipe you will need:
- 4c measuring cup
- small or medium pot with air-tight lid
- wooden spoon
- basmati or jasmine rice -- double the amount of water to the rice you want to cook: 1c rice serves two people, use 2c water. 2c rice serves four people, use 4c water
- optional spices: cardamom pods go really well with basmati -- gently break open the pods with the back of a spoon before using; one star anise star and a few cloves go really well with jasmine...
- optional liquid: substitute half the water for the same measure of coconut milk -- goes with either basmati or jasmine.

instructions:
1. rinse the rice in cold filtered water, twice. try not to lose any grains.
2. bring the measured water, uncovered, to a rolling boil in your pot. (if you're using coconut milk, or your optional spices, add after the boil)
3. add in the rice. stir once. keep the flame on high.
4. when the rice comes to a simmer again, reduce heat to low. COVER; DO NOT OPEN THE COVER after this point.
5. let the rice simmer for an additional 30 seconds if you're cooking for 2, an additional minute if you're cooking for 4. if you're using the coconut milk, double this time.
6. turn the heat off and DO NOT TOUCH THE RICE for a half hour.
7. IGNORE the rice, actually. what rice? that's right.
8. remove the cover after a half hour, serve, and enjoy.