Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear
Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt to a saucepan
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat
Stir in the rice
Reduce the heat to low
Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid
Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes for white rice
Simmer for 35 to 45 minutes for brown rice
Do not lift the lid while the rice cooks
Turn off the heat when the water is absorbed
Let the rice sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes
Fluff the rice with a fork before serving