Mom's Rice Advice

Melt some butter (not margarine) in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add chopped up onion (also good: challots, a little (not a lot of) garlic, fresh mushrooms.
And finely chopped bits of red and/or green peppers. Saute for 1-2 minutes.
Add rice (preferably basmati or jasmine), stir and saute over medium for about 1-2 minutes (the rice becomes somewhat transparent).

Then instead of water, add chicken broth. Plus whatever herbs you like. Basil, thyme are good ones.

Cover, reduce to low heat and cook for 15 minutes.
Then stir to check. If there's still liquid, cover and cook another 5 minutes.
Lots of variations to try.

This is one of my favourites: raisins, curry, 2/3 chicken broth, 1/3 orange juice.
How much rice and how long you cook it depends on the type of rice you use. Look on the side of the bag. If the bag is missing, here's the general rule of thumb: twice as much liquid as rice - cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.