Basmati rice is a staple in every Indian household. They go very well with vegetarian or non-veg dishes. The best part is they are easy to cook and don't take much time at all!
What is Basmati Rice
Although basmati rice looks similar to regular white rice, there are some differences between the two. Basmati rice is a long-grain, aromatic rice with a nutty flavour, whereas white rice is a shorter grain that is starchy and chewy.
How to cook Basmati Rice
Cooking basmati rice may seem like a daunting task for some, but with a little bit of practice and patience, you can easily master the art of cooking basmati rice to perfection. In this post, we'll share our tips and tricks for cooking fluffy, flavourful basmati rice every time.
Ingredients:
1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon ghee/coconut oil or olive oil
1/2 tsp Salt and pepper or adjust to taste
Cumin Seeds (optional)
1/2 onions chopped or thinly sliced (however you prefer)
Green peas or other veggies (optional)
Instructions:
Rinse - Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
Soak - Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes. Soaking the rice helps the grains to absorb water and cook evenly.
Prep - While the rice is soaking, heat cooking oil or ghee in a medium-size saucepan and add in the cumin seeds if using
Once the cumin seeds start to sizzle then add the onions, and stir to break the onions apart.
Once the onions become translucent then add the salt and pepper to taste.
Now add in the veggies followed by rice.
Add in the water: For every cup of rice, use 2 cups of water. This is the standard ratio for cooking basmati rice.
Cover the saucepan, leaving a little bit of vent for the steam to escape.
Reduce the heat: Lower the heat to low to medium and let the rice cook undisturbed for 10-12 minutes. or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Fluff the rice: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes. This helps the rice to steam and become fluffier. Use a fork to fluff the rice before serving.
Serve as a side dish or a main dish with curry or stir fry.
Tips and Tricks:
Avoid the temptation to stir the rice as this can cause the rice to stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
Customize with spices: turmeric, chilli pepper and garam masala all can be added to the rice for more flavour.
There you have it. Basmati rice is fairly easy and quick to cook and pairs up perfectly with any vegetables, curries or dals. So, go ahead and give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
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