The key to softening hard rice is to add moisture and steam it.
Here's a breakdown of how to do it:
- Add Moisture: Lightly moisten the rice with a small amount of water. Avoid adding too much, as this can make the rice soggy.
- Create Steam: Cover the rice tightly. You can do this by placing a plate on top of the rice or covering it with plastic wrap. This traps the moisture and allows it to steam the rice, softening it.
- Heat (Optional): Depending on how hard the rice is, you might need to gently reheat it. A microwave is a quick option, but a stovetop with very low heat also works.