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Learn to cook / Outdoor cooking skills

Cook rice on a Trangia

Quick answer

Use 1 part white rice to 1½ parts water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer gently for 12–15 minutes, extinguish, then steam off heat for 10 minutes.

These steps assume

  • Equipment stands securely on a non-combustible surface.
  • Wind and fuel can change conditions during the process.
  • The focus is “Cook rice on a Trangia,” not a particular dish.

What you need

  • Trangia with windshield
  • Burner and suitable fuel
  • Stable non-combustible base
  • Lid and pot grip
  • Water for extinguishing or cooling

Step by step

  1. 1

    Rinse the rice, measure 1 part rice and 1½ parts water into the pot, and bring to a boil uncovered.

    • Equipment: Trangia with windshield, Burner and suitable fuel.
    • Heat: Medium heat; adjust for wind.
    • Time: 3–5 minutes.
    • Looks like: The whole surface bubbles and the grains move.
    • If it goes wrong: Too much water leaves wet rice and uses extra fuel.
    • Done when: Complete: The whole surface bubbles and the grains move.
  2. 2

    Cover, reduce the burner, and simmer without stirring or lifting the lid.

    • Equipment: Trangia with windshield, Burner and suitable fuel.
    • Heat: Low, steady heat.
    • Time: 8–12 minutes.
    • Looks like: Steam is gentle; the pot does not rattle and there is no toasted smell.
    • If it goes wrong: A hard boil dries the base before the centers soften.
    • Done when: Complete: Steam is gentle; the pot does not rattle and there is no toasted smell.
  3. 3

    Extinguish the burner. Leave the pot covered for 10 minutes, then fluff the rice.

    • Equipment: Trangia with windshield, Burner and suitable fuel.
    • Heat: No heat.
    • Time: 8–12 minutes.
    • Looks like: Water is absorbed and the grains are tender with no wet base.
    • If it goes wrong: Opening immediately loses steam and leaves firmer rice.
    • Done when: Complete: Water is absorbed and the grains are tender with no wet base.

If it doesn't turn out as expected

  • Too much water leaves wet rice and uses extra fuel.
  • A hard boil dries the base before the centers soften.
  • Opening immediately loses steam and leaves firmer rice.

Food safety

Place the Trangia securely away from dry grass. Cool leftover rice quickly; do not leave warm rice out for hours.

When it's done: Water is absorbed and the grains are tender with no wet base.