Basic White Rice

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups water or chicken stock
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 bay leaves

In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the rice, water, salt and bay leaves and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork, and remove the bay leaves before serving.