Kateh (Persian Stove-Top Rice)

Wash the rice by placing it in a large container and covering it with water. Agitate gently with your hand, then pour off the water. Repeat 5 times until the water is no longer cloudy. Drain, using a fine-mesh colander. If using American long-grain rice, do not wash, and reduce the water to 4½ cups instead of 5½ cups.

In a medium-sized non-stick pot, combine the rice, water, and salt. Gently stir with a wooden spoon to dissolve the salt.

Bring to a boil over high heat (this takes about 5 minutes), then reduce heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the surface of the rice is covered with steam holes.

Drizzle the oil over the rice. Cover the pot tightly and steam for 15 minutes over low heat. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Just before serving, uncover the rice and fluff gently with a fork.