PLAIN RICE (LONG GRAIN) : To cook plain rice, for every single measure of rice you put two measures of water into a pan and bring the water to a boil. Boil the water until the rice is soft on the outside but still hard in the center for about 10-15 minutes. The time will vary depending on how much rice is being cooked. Put the lid on the pan, turn the heat right down and let the rice cook until the water has evaporated for about 5-10 minutes. If the rice on the top is cooked, then all the rice in the pan will be cooked as well. Once all the water has evaporated care must be taken not to burn the rice at the bottom of the pan.