Plain Basmati Rice

Wash rice in several changes of water; drain and put in a bowl. Cover generously with water and let soak 30 minutes. Drain thoroughly.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Bring 2 3/4 cups water to a boil in a heavy ovenproof pan with a tight-fitting lid. Add rice, stir, and bring back to a boil. Cover tightly (use a layer of foil between lid and pan, crinkling edges, if needed, to get a tight seal) and place in oven; bake 30 minutes. Remove and let rice stand, undisturbed, 10 minutes. Fluff up grains with a fork; serve. Rice can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days.