ow to cook good rice the ratio of rice and water is 1: 1.5 Rinse the rice under a stream of cold water. Put it in a pot. Add salt and pepper, then mix everything well. Put star anise and cardamom in the pot, which you have previously pierced to release their natural aromas during cooking. Let the water boil quickly. When it boils, reduce the temperature and let it cook gently for 8-10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking. A covered pot is key to the perfect heat treatment of rice.