Basmati rice is a long grain and fragrant rice that is known for its light, fluffy texture and nutty taste. Basmati rice is the staple ingredient used for making biryani, pulao, fried rice, brinji and it pairs perfectly with any curries, dal and stir fries. In this blog post, I'll show you how to make a perfect restaurant style basmati rice at home.
How to Cook Basmati Rice
Cooking rice can be very basic, but many of us struggle to get it right. I received many mails asking me to shared rice cooking method. So I thought this post will be useful.
About Cooking Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a long grain variety of rice that is loved for its soft and fluffy texture. It is a staple in Indian and Middle Eastern countries for making popular recipes like biryani, pulao, fried rice, brinji and kheer.
Cooking basmati rice properly makes all the difference in the recipe output. When done right, the grains stay separate, soft and fluffy without turning mushy.
Soaking the rice before cooking is an important process that helps to achieve the perfect texture. You can cook it in a saucepan, rice cooker, pressure cooker or instant pot depending on your preference.
Personally, I love the open pot saucepan method as it gives full control over the rice and keeps the grain separate. In this post, I'll show you a step by step method to cook basmati rice perfectly.
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Best Methods to Cook Basmati Rice
Before starting to cook the rice, always rinse them well under water for 2 to 3 times. Then soak it in water for at least 20 to 30 minutes as it helps the rice cook evenly and perfectly.
Boiling method : This method is similar to cooking pasta and noodles. You cook the rice in plenty of water and drain the excess once it's done. This method is great when you want soft, separate grains, especially for making dum biryani and fried rice.
Absorption method : In this method, the rice is cooked in a measured amount of water and it is completely absorbed by the rice. It also results in a fluffy, well cooked grain with no excess water to drain.
Ingredients
- Basmati rice : Basmati rice is a long grain that cooks light, fluffy and aromatic. Use aged variety and good quality basmati rice for best texture and flavour.
- Salt : Salt is an essential seasoning that balances the rice taste.
- Water : Water ratio is the important point to make soft, fluffy and non sticky basmati rice. Too much water makes it mushy or too little makes it undercooked. So, measure and add accordingly for perfectly cooked grains.
Step by Step Pictures
1)Always start by washing rice multiple times in water until the water runs clear. Take washed rice in a bowl, cover with water and let them soak for minimum 30 minutes.
Soaking makes the rice grain softer which results in longer rice.
2)This method is draining method. For this, take lots of water in a sauce pan. Bring water to a full boil. Add salt.
3)Add in soaked strained rice to boiling water.
4)Keep boiling on high until the rice reaches your desired texture.
5)Check inbetween to see the doneness. You can taste the rice to check the texture.
6)Cook further few more minutes.
7)Now the rice has cooked perfectly. It is cooked, yet have a little bite.
8)Strain the rice through a colander or sieve.
9)Cover with lid and let it drain for 5 minutes.
10)Perfectly cooked rice is ready.
11)You can use this for making fried rice or serve with curries.
How to Cook Basmati Rice by Absorption Method
1)For cooking rice using absorption method. Wash and soak rice for 30 minutes. Strain the rice and add it to a sauce pan.
2)Cover with water. For every 1 cup of rice, you need around 1.5 cups of water. Season the rice with salt.
3)Bring this to a full boil. Mix it once.
4)Cover with a lid, reduce flame to lowest possible. Continue cooking on low heat for around 8 to 10 minutes.
5)Now rice is cooked completely. You can see small holes on top and also if you press top with spatula there shouldn't be any moisture.
6)Fluff the rice with a spatula gently.
7)Cover again and let it rest covered for 10 minutes.
8)Thats it, fluffy rice is ready.
Expert Tips
- Soak the basmati rice for about 20 to 30 minutes in water before cooking. This helps to achieve perfectly cooked long grain textured rice.
- Use a heavy bottomed pot with a tight lid as it distributes the heat evenly and keeps the rice from burning or sticking to the bottom.
- Measure and add the water quantity accordingly so you will achieve fluffy, non sticky rice.
- Don't stir the rice once it starts boiling in the water. This may break the grains.
- Drain excess water in the open pot method immediately so that the rice doesn't get soggy.
Storage & Serving
The cooked basmati rice can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 days. Cool the rice and store them in an airtight container. This fluffy plain basmati rice pairs perfectly with any curries like butter chicken, dal tadka, or vegetable curry and makes a complete meal.
It can also be used as a base for making flavourful dishes like biryani, pulao, fried rice and brinji.
FAQ
Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave oven. Splash some water over the rice so it doesn't get dry.
Absolutely ! You can add any whole spices like bay leaf, pandan leaves, cardamom, cloves to the boiling water for extra flavour.
The rice will be a little wet after cooking, so letting it sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes helps the grain to absorb the moisture and make the rice soft and fluffy.
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How to Cook Basmati Rice | Rice Cooking Method
Equipment
Ingredients
Draining Method
- 1 cup Basmati Rice
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 6 cups Water
Absorption Method
- 1 cup Basmati Rice
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1½ cups Water
Instructions
Draining Method
- Take rice in a bowl and wash it really well with different changes of water. Now take it in a bowl and cover with water. Let it soak for a minimum of 30 minutes. Strain through a sieve and set aside.
- Bring lots of water to full boil in a sauce pan. Add salt to it. Add in the strained rice and boil this until the rice is cooked to your liking. It will take around 8 to 10 minutes.
- Keep tasting the rice to check whether it is cooked or not. Once cooked, strain the rice through a strainer. Keep covered for 5 minutes. Once it is strained, fluff the rice and serve.
Absorption Method
- Take rice in a bowl and wash it really well with different changes of water. Now take it in a bowl and cover with water. Let it soak for a minimum of 30 minutes. Strain through a sieve and set aside.
- Take it in a sauce pan. Cover with 1.5 cup of water, add some salt and mix well.
- Bring this to a boil, once it boils, mix it well. cover the pot and simmer to the lowest flame. Cook this for 8 to 10 mins by which time the rice must have absorbed all the water. You see small holes on top and there shouldn't be any moisture.
- Now open it and fluff it with a fork. Cover the pot again and leave to rest covered for 15 mins. Now you can fluff it and serve or use in your cooking.
Anonymous
Which brand basmati do you use? Everytime I cook basmati it gets mushed up big time...
will follow your way of cooking and see
Aarthi
@AnonymousI use india gate
Geetha Krishnan
I tried this, and the rice turned out just perfect. Thank you.