Description
When you know how to cook fluffy basmati rice it's easy. On the other hand, the easiest recipe can sometimes appear complicated leaving you wondering why it never fluffs! Let me show you how to cook white basmati rice perfectly, every single time.
No rinsing and soaking the rice, simply add water, a pinch of salt, cover with a lid and cook.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice (white basmati rice)
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt or a large pinch of salt
Instructions
Boil the Water: Use a kettle to boil 2 cups of water.
Add Rice and Water: In a medium to large saucepan, add 1 cup of basmati rice and pour in the boiled water. The saucepan should not be small!
Cook on High Heat: Bring the water to a boil, then cook the rice on medium-high heat for 8 and a half minutes. Avoid stirring to maintain the rice's texture and definitely no peeking!
Let it Sit: After 8 and a half minutes, remove the saucepan from the hot stove and leave it aside - do not open it! Let it stand covered for 5 minutes to fully steam and finish cooking.
This step is important because it helps the rice to firm up and become fluffy.
Notes
- High heat- Cook on high heat. The rice will reach a rapid boil, it you find it’s too hectic, you can lower it very slightly but not low heat! High or medium high.
- Pot size- Use the right size pot for the quantity of rice so it cooks properly and the water doesn't overflow' for example - if the pot is too small and you end up with sticky rice.
- Rinsing - If you want to rinse your rice, to help remove excess starch my suggestion is to rinse in a colander under a running cold water tap. Do not soak the rice! Then leave it there to drip for a few minutes. Remember that when you rinse rice, you are essentially adding water plus you have to add water again when the rice cooks. In which case, adding just under the required amount of water may be necessary.
- Do not open the lid - You want to let the rice cook covered and undisturbed the entire time. It will give you the best fluffy well steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Calories: 169
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 309
- Fat: 1
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 37
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3