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Rice is a staple food that graces tables across cultures and cuisines worldwide. Whether it’s a fragrant biryani, a comforting risotto, or a simple bowl accompanying a hearty curry, the texture and flavor of perfectly cooked rice can elevate any meal. Yet, achieving that elusive fluffiness is often a challenge for home cooks. Enter the Fluffy Cloud Rice recipe, a culinary technique designed to create rice that is light, airy, and bursting with flavor.

Perfect Fluffy Rice – No More Sticky Clumps!

Discover how to make the perfect Fluffy Cloud Rice with this simple and delicious recipe. This light and airy rice dish enhances any meal, making it a versatile side that pairs beautifully with proteins, vegetables, and sauces. Learn about different rice types, key ingredients, and step-by-step cooking techniques to achieve that cloud-like consistency. Elevate your culinary skills and impress family and friends with this delightful addition to your dining table.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup long-grain white rice (e.g., Basmati or Jasmine)

2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1 bay leaf (optional)

Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Rinse the Rice: Begin by placing the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinsing it under cold running water. Rinse until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which contributes to stickiness. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy results.

    Soak the Rice: Transfer the rinsed rice to a bowl, cover it with water, and let it soak for about 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the rice thoroughly.

      Sauté for Fluffiness: In a medium saucepan, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the drained rice. Sauté the rice for about 3-4 minutes, stirring gently. This toasting step enhances flavor and helps keep the grains separate.

        Add Liquid and Season: Pour in the 2 cups of water (or broth) and add salt. If using, drop in the bay leaf. Stir gently to combine.

          Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, give it one last gentle stir to separate the rice grains.

            Simmer and Cover: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This steaming step is vital for the fluffy texture.

              Let it Rest: After 15 minutes, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period helps to further steam the rice.

                Fluff the Rice: Once the time is up, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Discard the bay leaf if you used it, and garnish with freshly chopped herbs if desired.

                  Serve and Enjoy: Serve your fluffy rice as an accompaniment to your favorite dishes, or enjoy it on its own with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon juice.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 35 min | 4 servings