White Rice

 White Rice
 Ingredients:
4 oz salt pork, diced
2 cups rice, extra long grain
3 1/2 cups of water
Salt to taste

Directions:
Wash rice under cold running water and drain, set aside.  Heat heavy bottomed pot and brown the diced salt pork in small pieces. Stir in rice and add the water.

Pork salts vary on who the producers are and how salty they are. Usually you do not need to add salt, but after adding the water, stir and see if it may need just a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil, uncovered, on moderate heat until water is absorbed. (about 4-5 minutes). Cover tightly and lower the heat to simmer for 30 minutes. Turn off heat and let the rice sit for 10 minutes before serving.

The added bonus of this recipe is the “pegao” or crusted over rice that forms when grains of rice stick to the bottom of a heavy cast aluminum pot after it cooks. For many, it is the best part of this dish.