📖 Instructions

1. First things first, rinse your rice! Give it a good wash under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Don't skip this step; trust me, it makes a difference!
2. Next, grab your saucepan. Add the rinsed rice and about 1 and 1/2 cups of water (for every cup of rice). Give it a quick stir.
3. Now for the fun part—adding flavour! Throw in those beautiful mushrooms, sliced or chopped however you fancy (I like to keep some chunks for texture, you know?). And don't forget to add the thyme. A few sprigs of fresh thyme will do the trick; it adds such a lovely earthy aroma. I once used rosemary by mistake, thinking I was fancy and it actually wasn't too bad so feel free to be creative here!
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and let it simmer gently. This is crucial; low and slow is the name of the game here!
5. Simmer away! This takes patience, my friend. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes (cooking time may vary based on your stove or rice type). Resist the urge to lift the lid! The steam needs to do its magic. I know, it's tough.
6. After about 15-20 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and all the water should have been absorbed. If it's still a bit watery, continue to simmer, uncovered, for a few more minutes. If it's a little too dry, add a splash of water and re-cover.
7. Once the rice is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and finish cooking through. It's like a little rice sauna!
8. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork. This separates the grains and creates that perfect, light and fluffy texture. That's it! Your delicious, simple rice with mushrooms and thyme is ready. Serve immediately and enjoy!