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Bai Fan translates simply as “white rice.” It is eaten daily by hundreds of millions of people across China and has been for thousands of years. It requires no embellishment, no garnish, no explanation. It simply is. In this, it achieves a kind of culinary enlightenment that more complicated dishes spend their whole existence chasing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup jasmine or short-grain white rice
• 1¼ cups water

Method

Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear — this removes excess starch and is considered essential. Place the rice and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to the lowest setting. Cover tightly and cook for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for another 10 minutes. Fluff and serve.

Do not add salt. Do not add butter. Do not add anything. This is Bai Fan. It is enough.