Pilaf-Style Rice

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons thyme leaves fresh chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest 
• 2 teaspoons olive oil extra-virgin
• 1.5 cups rice long-grain
• 2.3 cups water 

Equipment

• bowl
• sauce pan

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until slightly toasted and golden, about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in the water and salt, bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 18 minutes. Then let the rice rest off the heat for 5 minutesplease don't lift the lid to give a peek or stir, or the rice will not cook evenly.
3. Put the rice in a large serving bowl, fluff and separate the grains with a fork.
4. Add lemon zest and/or thyme, if desired, and serve.