Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Rice in a Pot:

1. Gather Your Supplies:

• 1 cup of rice (white, brown, basmati, or jasmine)

• 2 cups of water (adjust for different types of rice)

• A medium-sized pot with a lid

• Salt (optional)

• A fork (for fluffing)

2. Rinse the Rice:

• Measure out 1 cup of rice and place it in a fine-mesh strainer or bowl.

• Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from sticking together. Rinse until the water runs clear.

3. Add Water and Rice to the Pot:

• In the pot, combine 1 cup of rinsed rice with 2 cups of water.

• The general water-to-rice ratio is:White rice: 2 cups of water per cup of rice.
  Brown rice: 2.5–3 cups of water per cup of rice.
  Basmati or Jasmine rice: 1.5–2 cups of water per cup of rice.
  

• Add a pinch of salt (optional) for flavor.

4. Bring to a Boil:

• Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high.

• Bring the water and rice to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

5. Reduce Heat and Cover:

• Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

• Let the rice simmer gently without stirring.

6. Simmer the Rice:

• Allow the rice to cook for:White rice: 15–20 minutes
  Brown rice: 40–45 minutes
  Basmati or Jasmine rice: 15–18 minutes
  

• Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this lets the steam escape.

7. Check for Doneness:

• After the cooking time, remove the lid and check if the rice has absorbed all the water. If there’s still some water, cover the pot again and let it cook for a few more minutes on low heat.

8. Turn Off the Heat and Let It Sit:

• Once the rice has absorbed all the water, turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for about 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and finish cooking.

9. Fluff the Rice:

• After resting, use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains.

10. Serve the Rice:

• Your rice is now ready to serve! You can serve it as a side dish or as part of your main meal.

Tips:

• Adjust Water Based on Rice Type: Different types of rice may require different water amounts, so be sure to adjust accordingly.

• Avoid Lifting the Lid: Keep the lid on during cooking to retain steam, which is essential for properly cooking rice.

• Add Flavors: You can add butter, olive oil, or spices like bay leaves to the water for extra flavor.