The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Basmati Rice: Techniques and Tips

Nothing is more comforting than a bowl of rice and dal, especially for us Indians. Even the fanciest dishes cannot compare! We turn to flavorful biryani when we want something special, which is also made with rice. And if we are talking about rice, how can we forget to mention the long and fragrant basmati rice?

Every Indian food lover wants to learn how to cook perfect basmati rice that is fluffy, not broken and non-sticky. In this blog, we will discuss two methods to cook basmati rice- The absorption and drain method. So, let us begin!

About basmati rice- The king of rice

Basmati is a fragrant long-grain rice that grows in the Himalayas and Pakistan. Known for its nutty flavor, the rice cooks up beautifully. Basmati rice is a great side dish for many meals, such as chicken curry, butter chicken, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, etc.

The texture, taste and aroma of this rice depends on the quality of basmati rice used. This means it is essential to choose good quality basmati rice if you want to enjoy aromatic and fluffy grains.

How to make basmati rice perfectly?

Cooking basmati rice perfectly is an art that takes some practice. But with the best way to cook basmati rice, anyone can make fluffy and non-sticky grains. Here are the two popular methods of cooking basmati rice: The absorption method and the drain method:

The drain method

This method is similar to cooking pasta and is perfect for those who prefer a lighter texture.

Ingredients:

1 cup basmati rice
4 cups water
Salt (to taste)

Instructions

Rinse the rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear and drain well.
Boil water: Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot and add salt to taste.
Add the rice: Add the rinsed rice once the water is boiling. Stir gently to prevent clumping.
Cook the rice: Allow the rice to boil uncovered for about 10-12 minutes until the grains are tender but still firm.
Drain the rice: Carefully drain the rice once cooked. Use a fine mesh strainer to do so.
Steam the rice: You can return the drained rice to the pot to make it extra fluffy. Cover it with a lid and let it steam on low heat for about 5-10 minutes.
Fluff and serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve with your favorite dishes.

The absorption method

This method allows the rice to absorb all the water, which results in perfectly cooked grains.

Ingredients:

1 cup basmati rice
1.5 cups water
Salt (to taste)
For added flavor- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil (optional)

Instructions:

Rinse the rice: Begin by washing the basmati rice under cold water. This step is important because it removes extra starch and keeps the rice from getting sticky. Continue rinsing until the water is clear, then drain it.
Soak the rice: Soak the rinsed rice in water for about 30 minutes. This step helps the grains expand and cook evenly, which, in turn, makes the grains fluffier.
Boil water: Use a saucepan to bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil. Add salt and ghee or oil if using.
Add the rice: Add the soaked and drained rice once the water is boiling. Stir gently to prevent clumping.
Cover and simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Do not lid during this time, as this can affect the cooking process by releasing steam.
Let it rest: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for another 10 minutes after the cooking time. This resting period allows the remaining steam to finish cooking the rice.
Fluff and serve: Use a fork to gently fluff the rice before serving. Your basmati rice is now ready to be enjoyed with your favorite dishes!

Conclusion

Basmati rice is not just a side dish. Instead, it is a tasty addition to many beloved Indian dishes. Whether you are enjoying it with a comforting bowl of dal or a delicious biryani, knowing how to cook basmati rice perfectly can make your meals taste even better.

You can follow the absorption and drain methods discussed in this blog to achieve light and fluffy grains that will leave your friends and family impressed. Remember that besides the cooking technique, the key to great basmati rice also lies in the quality of the rice. So, choose DRRK for the best quality basmati rice!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1- Is basmati rice the same as white rice?

Ans. Basmati rice is one such variety of rice that is known for being more aromatic than regular white rice like the rice used in Chinese and Japanese dishes. It has a subtle nutty flavor and longer grains. Both basmati and white rice have almost the same number of calories and both are carbohydrates.

Q2- What is basmati rice used for?

Ans. Basmati rice comes from the Indian subcontinent and is also popular in the Middle East. It is usually served with Indian dishes and flavorful curries. In addition, basmati rice is also used in dishes like Biryani, which is a well known dish from the Indian region.

Also Read: Unlocking the Health Benefits of Basmati Rice: A Nutritional Guide

Q3- How to store basmati rice?

Ans. Store leftover basmati rice in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place the rice in a microwave safe bowl and add 1-2 tablespoons of water to keep it moist. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes and stir halfway to heat it evenly.

Q4- How to freeze basmati rice?

Ans. Basmati rice can be stored in a sealed container for up to 3 months. You can save space by spreading it out in sealable plastic bags. There is no need to thaw it before reheating. All you need to do is just take it out of the freezer and microwave it with 1-2 tablespoons of water.