Although rinsing and soaking is not necessary, it does help to lighten the grain. Soaking times can be from 5-30 minutes. The longer the soaking, the shorter the cooking time. If following the covered pan (absorption) method, use a little less water and shorten cooking times slightly. Pure Basmati, Thai Jasmine, American Long Grain and Giant Canadian rices are suitable for soaking. Soaking Pure Basmati results in a softer and more elongated grain. It is not necessary to soak easy cook, brown rices or Arborio risotto rice. How to Rinse and Soak Rice: Tip - rice grains into a large bowl. Fill with cold water and swill with your hand. Immediately tip out the cloudy water leaving the wet grains behind. Repeat 3-4 times. The water will become less and less cloudy. On 3rd or 4th fill, leave the water and rice to soak for 5-30 minutes. Drain the grains in a fine mesh sieve. Cook.