The phrase "to cook the rice" means to prepare and boil a dish made from rice, which is a staple food in many cultures around the world. The process involves washing the grains thoroughly until they become clean, then adding them to water or broth and bringing it to a boil before reducing heat and allowing it to simmer until all of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. Once cooked, the rice can be served as is or used in various dishes such as pilafs, stir-fries, and casseroles.