Rice is a pantry staple for a reason. The affordable grain — a dietary mainstay for more than half of the world’s population — is a component of a diverse range of dishes from pilafs to rice pudding.

I love rice and have been cooking it regularly for all of my adult life. It's a perfect staple to serve alongside salmon or steak, stir-fry with veggies and tofu, or mix into soups and stews. Many ...