Stovetop Method: In a saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil. Stir in 1 cup of rice. If desired, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt per cup of uncooked rice. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until all water is absorbed. For drier rice, use ¼ cup less water. Or, for moister rice, use ¼ cup more water.
Microwave: In a 2 quart microwave safe dish, combine 2 cups water with 1 cup rice. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes. Reduce setting to 50% power, microwave for 15 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. It is recommended that only 1 cup of rice be prepared in the microwave at a time. Microwave ovens vary. Cooking times are approximate.