How many bay leaves do you add when cooking brown rice on the stove top?

When cooking brown rice on the stove top, the addition of bay leaves can significantly enhance the flavor of the rice. The recommended amount is generally one or two bay leaves. Adding three bay leaves could be excessive, as it may overpower the delicate flavor of the brown rice. Bay leaves have a strong aromatic quality, and even one leaf can impart a noticeable flavor during cooking.

It's important to note that bay leaves are typically removed from the dish before serving, as they are not meant to be consumed. Using one or two leaves allows you to introduce flavor without overwhelming the rice. Therefore, while the choice of three might seem like it would deepen the flavor, it risks making the dish too strong, which is why fewer leaves are generally favored in most recipes.