Rice is prized by cooks everywhere for a texture that makes it the perfect partner for almost any ingredient, from a handful of herbs to an extravagant array of seafood. This book opens with an introduction to different types of rice and the many products made from it, and takes a close look at how it is grown and harvested, the etiquette of eating it, and its history since the early days of cultivation in South-east Asia 8000 years ago. The recipes that follow cover every way of cooking rice, in an international tour, from an Indian biryani to a Middle Eastern pilaff, and from Cajun jambalaya to Spanish paella. Classic rice recipes sit alongside contemporary dishes, with a special emphasis on the risotto.With over 720 photographs and more than 200 exquisite recipes this book celebrates the versatility of this highly revered staple food.