Rinse the Rice Begin by placing the rice in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
Heat the Oil In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about one minute.
Toast the Rice Add the rinsed rice to the heated oil. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted and shimmering. This step adds a delightful flavor to our rice.
Add Water and Seasonings Pour in 4 cups of water. Add the salt, garlic powder, and bay leaf if using. Stir gently to combine the ingredients without disturbing the toasted rice too much.
Bring to a Boil Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer Slowly Let the rice simmer on low heat for 18 to 20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid as this can release steam and disrupt the cooking process.
Rest the Rice Once the cooking time is complete, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the rice to sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period helps the rice firm up and complete its cooking.
Fluff and Serve After resting, remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This helps separate the grains for that perfect fluffy texture. Serve the Cuban white rice with your favorite dishes like savory stews or grilled meats.
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Samantha Doe
Food and Lifestyle Blogger
Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.