It is a big mistake to only add water to cook rice

1 small onion, finely chopped

1-2 cloves of garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: a bay leaf, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or a splash of white wine

Instructions:

Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

Prepare the Aromatics: In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant. If you’re using a bay leaf or fresh herbs, add them at this stage for extra flavor.