6 Smart Ways to Cook Rice Without Wasting Money

With rising prices of essentials and electricity rates, cooking rice can be costly, especially when done every day. However, there are effective ways to save money, time, and electricity while cooking rice without sacrificing its quality and taste. To help Mak Cuss better manage the budget and rice, here are some tips for cooking rice efficiently!

Ways to Cook Rice Without Wasting Time and Electricity
Here are several ways to cook rice that are energy-efficient and cost-effective:

1. Soak Rice Before Cooking
   Soaking rice for 30 minutes before cooking makes the rice fluffier and reduces cooking time. The soaking process softens the rice, allowing it to absorb water more easily during cooking. This reduces the cooking time for your rice cooker, saving electricity.

Additionally, soaking rice helps reduce arsenic levels, a toxic substance that can be present on rice. Arsenic can be removed by washing, soaking, and then cooking the rice.

1. Measure Rice and Water According to Need
   It’s essential to measure the right amount of rice for your family’s needs to avoid wastage. Use the correct ratio of rice to water, typically 1:1 or 1:1.5, depending on the type of rice. Avoid cooking too much rice, as leftovers often get thrown away.

To ensure accurate portions, observe your family’s eating habits. You may need to adjust the amount when hosting guests or unexpected visitors. Consider creating a weekly menu plan to estimate your rice needs more accurately.

1. Cook Rice with Hot Water
   Using hot water to cook rice can reduce cooking time by up to 20%. Hot water helps the rice cooker avoid extra work in heating the water from room temperature. You can use water from a dispenser or boil water in a kettle beforehand. Although using extra electricity to heat the water is required, the total energy consumption remains lower than when cooking with cold water.
2. Boil Rice in a Pot First
   Another method to save electricity is by boiling rice in a pot until the water has reduced by about 70%. Then, transfer the rice to a rice cooker for the final cooking process. This method reduces the time the rice cooker needs to operate since the rice is already partially cooked. Be sure to use medium heat when boiling the rice for the best results. This technique also helps in saving electricity.
3. Turn Off the Rice Cooker After Use
   Many people forget or leave the rice cooker on the "warm" setting after the rice is done. This habit wastes electricity because the rice cooker continues consuming power to maintain the temperature. It’s better to turn off the rice cooker immediately after cooking, and reheat the rice when it’s time to serve. Alternatively, you might consider investing in a modern rice cooker that can keep rice warm for several hours even when turned off.
4. Reheat Only the Amount You Need
   When reheating rice, only heat the portion you plan to eat. Avoid reheating the entire contents of the rice cooker if you only need a small amount. It’s better to store leftover rice in a sealed container in the fridge and reheat it gradually as needed. This saves electricity and helps maintain the quality of the rice.

Besides implementing the tips above, choosing high-quality rice also plays a significant role in saving costs. Beras Maknyuss offers affordable prices while maintaining its high quality. With modern processing methods and without using whitening agents, fragrances, or preservatives, Beras Maknyuss is the perfect solution for saving your budget without compromising on quality. Get Beras Maknyuss today at your local stores, agents, or Maknyuss partners!