Rice Basics

When cooking white rice for recipes, you can choose from three types:

Be sure to choose the right kind of
rice for the dinner you're serving.

• Short-grain rice is high in starch, making it stickier than other rices. It is most often used in Asian cooking, Spanish paella, and risotto. One prized short-grain rice is Arborio rice -- a mainstay in risotto.
• Medium-grain rice is slightly sticky. It cooks up tender and plump with a mild flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes.
• Long-grain white rice is the most common rice used in America. It has a neutral taste and firm texture, and remains separate and fluffy when cooked. Long-grain rices such as jasmine and basmati are aromatic rices known for their fragrances. Both are good paired with stir-fry dishes and other Asian- and Indian-style foods or used in pilafs.