Adding only water to cook rice is a common oversight: Permit me to impart to you the restaurant industry’s best-kept secret for improving flavor

2. Toast the Rice
Begin by toasting the rice in a bit of butter or oil until it reaches a light golden brown. This step not only imparts a subtle nutty flavor but also helps the grains stay separate and fluffy after cooking.

3. Add Aromatics and Spices
Aromatics are key! Sauté onions, garlic, or shallots in the pot before adding your rice. Introduce spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or star anise, and herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves early on. These additions infuse the rice with delightful fragrances and flavors that captivate the senses.

4. Perfect the Liquid-to-Rice Ratio