Mizoram Zawlbuk Community House Traditional Rice Preparation

Method

1. 1

   Wash the rice in cold water 3 to 4 times until the water runs mostly clear. Drain.

2. 2

   Place washed rice in a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid.

3. 3

   Add 3.5 cups cold water and 1/2 tsp salt.

4. 4

   Bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Stir once.

5. 5

   Reduce to the absolute lowest heat.

6. 6

   Cover tightly. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid — the trapped steam is what cooks the rice evenly.

7. 7

   Turn off heat. Rest the covered pot for 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Fluff gently with a fork from the edges inward.

9. 9

   The rice should be perfectly cooked — each grain separate and fluffy, with no stickiness from overcooking and no rawness from undercooking.

10. 10

    Serve as the base of every Mizo meal.