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freshly cooked basmati rice in a white bowl garnished with some fresh parsley.
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4.67 from 3 votes

Basmati Rice

This classic Basmati rice dish is all about simplicity and perfection. With its light, fluffy texture and delicate aroma, it's the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Soaking Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: basmati rice, how to cook basmati rice
Servings: 4
Calories: 219kcal
Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice uncooked
  • 1¾ cups water
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Begin by thoroughly rinsing the rice under cold water. Use a fine-mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and prevents the rice from sticking together. After rinsing, soak the rice in fresh water for 30 minutes. This helps the grains to expand to their full length and ensures even cooking. After soaking, drain the rice and let all the excess water drip off.
    process shots showing how to make basmati rice.
  • In a medium saucepan, bring 1¾ cups of water to a boil. If you're adding salt or butter/oil, do it at this stage.
    process shots showing how to make basmati rice.
  • Add the drained rice to the boiling water. Stir gently. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid or stirring the rice during cooking to prevent the grains from breaking.
    process shots showing how to make basmati rice.
  • After 15 minutes, check the rice. The water should be absorbed, and the rice should be tender but not mushy. If it's not quite ready, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and the grains to firm up slightly.
    process shots showing how to make basmati rice.
  • Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Serve the rice as a side dish or use it as a base for other recipes.
    process shots showing how to make basmati rice.

Notes

  1. Soaking Time: Don't skip the soaking step! It's essential for ensuring the rice cooks evenly and becomes beautifully fluffy.
  2. Water Ratio: For every cup of Basmati rice, use 1¾ cups of water. This precise ratio ensures the rice cooks to perfection, neither too dry nor too soggy.
  3. Resting Period: Letting the rice sit covered after cooking allows it to steam and finish cooking through. This ensures each grain is tender and perfectly cooked.
  4. Fluffing Technique: Use a fork to gently fluff the rice after cooking. This helps separate the grains and prevents them from clumping together.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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