Best Basmati Rice | How To Cook

Perfectly light, fluffy, long individual grain Basmati rice can enhance the taste of any meal. This recipe will become your new go-to for everyday dining indulgence.

My preferred Basmati rice brands are Royal and Zebra basmati, but you may find other options in your grocery store. My favorite way to enjoy this fluffy rice with Chukandar Gosht , Cholay Curry, and Bagara Baingan

What Is Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a long-grain rice with a nutty, floral flavor and aroma, and it originated in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Furthermore, the term “basmati” is derived from the Hindi word “fragrant”.

It has a light, fluffy consistency, and distinct flavors and aromas; thus, it is widely regarded as one of the best rice varieties and is extensively used in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

It is traditionally used in Pakistani and other South Asian cuisines, such as Biryani, Pulao, and pilaf recipes. It also goes well with all types of Dal (lentils) and can be served as a side dish to Kababs. and Curry.

Avoid 3 Biggest Mistake When Cooking Fluffy Basmati Rice

• Soak The Rice: Soaking the rice is necessary for achieving light and fluffy rice. Adjusting the rice soaking duration according to the specific type of rice being used is imperative. Here is a tip: Soak the rice until the grains change from clear to white.

• The proper rice-to-water ratio: It is important to maintain the correct water-to-rice ratio to achieve perfectly cooked rice. Adding too much water results in mushy rice, while adding too little leads to hard and undercooked rice.

• Adding the Fats: By avoiding the fat content in rice, the result is dry and mushy. Oil or butter not only helps to keep rice fluffy but also brings aroma and flavor to your basmati rice.

Pro Tips To Cook Basmati Rice

• Using the proper pot: I cannot emphasize enough how important the size and weight of the pot are when cooking rice. I see a lot of people who follow all of the protocols, but their rice always gets mushy because they do not use the right pot. Never cook rice in a small saucepan. The key is to use a pan with a heavy bottom and a wide enough pan so that the rice has enough space to become fluffy. The heavy bottom will prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
• Bring to a boil without a lid: Another important step is not to cover the pan. Covering the pan can cause the water to boil and spill out, disrupting the water-to-rice ratio. Cook the rice uncovered on medium-high heat
• A heavy and snug-fitting lid: A loose or lightweight lid allows steam to escape, resulting in half-cooked and flatter rice. TIP: Cover the lid with cloth or foil paper, and when cooking a big batch in the large, oversized pot, it’s advisable to place any weight on top of the lid.
• Set the Flame for Steam: For the first 2 to 3 minutes (depending on the quantity), keep the flame high; once the stem begins to produce, reduce the flame to medium-low.
• DO NOT PEEK: While it is on the stove; this causes steam to escape, resulting in uneven cooking.
• Give it some rest: It requires 10 minutes of rest. The grains absorb the liquid during this resting period.

Here are some additional Rice recipes that you might find interesting to try.

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Basmati Rice On The Stovetop | Easy And Effortless

Recipe by Urooj Naeem

5.0 from 1 vote

Cuisine: Pakistani, South AsianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

Perfectly light, fluffy, long individual grain Basmati rice can enhance the taste of any meal. This recipe will become your new go-to one for your everyday dining indulgence.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice

• 2 cups water

• Salt (to taste)

• 1-2 tablespoon butter or oil

Equipment

• Heavy Bottom Pot

Directions

• Rinse the rice until it is clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
• Soak the rice for 30 minutes or until the color changes from translucent to white. (For detailed instructions, see the article.)
• In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Alternatively, you can measure with your finger pore.
• Add salt to taste. Cook over medium-high heat until the water evaporates by 90%.
• Add a tablespoon of butter or oil to the pot. This adds richness to the rice and prevents it from sticking together.
• Once the water has been reduced, lower the heat and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
• Avoid lifting the lid or stirring the rice while it’s cooking, as this can disrupt the steaming process and result in unevenly cooked rice.
• Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and makes it fluffier.
• After 5 minutes, uncover the pot and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
• Your perfect fluffy rice is now ready to serve! Enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite curry, vegetables, or protein.

Notes

• Cooking times may vary depending on the specific type of Basmati rice you’re using and your stove’s heat intensity. Adjust accordingly for best results.

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