Fresh Orange Rice

Ingredients

• 2 fresh oranges
• 2 cups jasmine rice (I also use basmati but plain white rice rarely)
• orange zest
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• orange slice, for garnish

Directions

1. 1

   Remove the zest from the orange and measure out up to 2 tablespoons, if desired. Mince and set aside.

2. 2

   To garner the maximum amount of juice from your oranges, with a sharp knife pierce the oranges about 5-6 times and microwave for 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Juice the orange and measure out 3/4 cup; more or less according to your preference. You may need to juice another orange if two oranges don't yield enough juice. Remember that for 2 cups of rice you will need 4 cups of liquid (water/orange juice) in whatever ratio you choose.

4. 4

   Place the rice in a pan along with the water, salt and orange juice. NOTE: *Important to stir in the orange zest at the end of the cooking time. DO NOT add the zest in with the rice while it is cooking or the rice will turn bitter.

5. 5

   Cover pan, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

6. 6

   Remove pan from stove; fluff rice with a fork and stir in the zest. Let stand covered for a few minutes then serve.

7. 7

   Garnish with orange slices if desired.