Rice is the staple diet of many people across the globe. It is believed that rice originated in China around 8,200-13,500 years ago, and has since been grown in many countries. There are approximately 40,000 varieties of rice that are consumed today. White rice, also known as 'polished rice', undergoes a process known as milling where the husk, kernel, and germ of the rice are removed. It is then polished for a bright and shiny appearance. Due to milling, many essential nutrients like niacin, thiamine, fiber, and iron are lost. Plain rice is inexpensive and comes in different varieties like short grain, medium-length grain, and long grain. Dishes made with white rice are quite popular. Steamed Rice Ingredients:

• 2 cups long grain rice
• 3 cups water
• Salt to taste

Preparation: Rinse the rice in water. Boil the water in a saucepan and add the rice and salt. Cover the saucepan with a tight lid and cook until the rice on top separates. Reduce the flame and cook for 10 more minutes until all the water is gone. Take off the burner and remove the lid. Let the rice set for about 5 minutes. Loosen the rice with a fork and serve hot with a gravy. Brazilian Rice Ingredients:

• 2 cups long white rice
• 4 cups hot water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium-sized onion (minced)
• 2 cloves of garlic (mashed)
• Salt to taste

Preparation: Rinse the rice in cold water and keep aside. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the oil, add the onions, and saute until the onions turn a light golden-brown. Now, add the garlic paste and cook until brown. Transfer the rice, add salt, and stir until all the ingredients combine well. Now, pour hot water and continue stirring. Reduce the flame, cover the saucepan with a lid, and continue cooking until the water begins to simmer. Check if the rice has become tender. Allow it to cook for about 20 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Jalapeno Chicken with Rice Ingredients:

• 2-3 boneless chicken breasts (cut in small pieces)
• 2 cups white rice
• Pickled jalapeno peppers
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt to taste

Preparation: In a medium-sized skillet, melt the butter and add the pickled jalapeno peppers, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, pepper, and salt, and allow the mixture to simmer. Coat the chicken in flour, add it to the mixture, and cook for about 20 minutes while stirring continuously until the chicken is cooked. In a separate saucepan, cook the rice as mentioned above (the steamed white rice recipe). Dissolve two teaspoons of flour in water and add this to the sauce to thicken it. Transfer the rice to a serving dish, pour the sauce over it, and serve hot.