How to cook fluffy Basmati Rice perfectly every time

How to cook fluffy Basmati Rice perfectly every time - Here is how to make Authentic, aromatic Basmati rice that is tender, light and fluffy in 6 easy steps. We use double the amount water to rice in this easy foolproof method. Here is how you can cook Basmati Rice perfectly every time! And if you want to make it with Indian Spices like Cumin Seeds, why not try this Jeera Rice Recipe?

What is Basmati Rice?

Long-grain Basmati Rice is a long, slender, aged rice which is traditionally grown in India, Pakistan and Nepal.

India accounts for 65% of the international trade in basmati rice, and Pakistan accounts for the remaining 35%. 

According to the Indian Government, a rice variety can only be called basmati if it has a minimum precooked milled rice length of 6.61 mm and precooked milled rice breadth of up to 2 mm.

Basmati Rice is a fragrant, nutty-tasting long grain rice. Bas in the Hindi language translates to Aroma and Mati translates to full of. i.e So the word Basmati translates to full of aroma.

Basmati  rice is a part of Indian Cuisine. I use either Tilda Basmati or Mustafa Rice. Both are long grain Basmati Rice varieties and the rice lengthens and becomes even longer once cooked.

Basmati rice is an aromatic long grain rice that goes well with any number of indian dishes, such as Easy Boneless Chicken Curry; Prawn and Spinach Curry or Lamb Chops Curry.

I like to make Basmati Rice on the stovetop. It can also be made in an Instant Pot/Ninja Foodi/a pressure cooker/ a rice cooker or in the Oven. 

There are some important key steps in making perfect rice every time. Read on to learn more.

Ingredients in Perfect Basmati Rice

Rice

A long-grain Rice (Basmati). The ratio of rice to water is always 2 xs the rice. e.g. 1 cup of Basmati to 2 cups of Water. 

Water

Room temperature Water or tap water. 1 cup rice to 2 cups water.

You can also use boiled Water which will reduce cooking time. The pre boiled water will need to come back to the boil once it goes into the cold cooking pot.

Ghee 

You can use Oil or Butter. Or you can leave it out completely.

Salt

I add 1 teaspoon per cup of Rice.

How to cook Basmati Rice

Cooking Basmati Rice is easy. Full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Here is how you can get the fluffiest rice every time:

Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer over running cold tap water until the the water is no longer cloudy. 

Soak the rice in 1 inch of cold tap water. Let the rice soak for 30 minutes. 

Discard the water, rinse the rice once more, and drain well.

Cooking Method

Heat the ghee in a medium pot over medium heat.

Add the Water and Salt, then add the Rice.

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Some of the water should have evaporated.

Reduce to a simmer the cover with a tight fitting lid.

Leave it to cook until all the excess water evaporates, about 10 to 15 minutes.

NOTE - Do not open the lid and stir the rice during cooking.

Remove from the heat and keep the rice covered for 5 minutes. Then open the lid to reveal perfectly fluffy rice!

When ready to serve, fluff the rice with a fork.

Variations

Water

You can also use boiled Water which will reduce cooking time. The pre boiled water will need to come back to the boil once it goes into the cold cooking pot.

Flavour the Rice

Add Cumin Seeds and Whole Spices such as Cinnamon Stick, Cardamom Pods, Cloves to the Ghee before cooking. Once fragrant, continue with the recipe. You could also add some fried Onions on top.

Add Veg

Add mixed chopped vegetables to make a Veg Pulao.

Tips and Tricks for making Basmati Rice in 6 EASY steps

Tight fitting lid 

Initially the Rice should be boiled without a lid. Then the pot must be covered with a tight, heavy lid in order to steam the rice properly.  

Pot Size 

The pot needs to have enough space to fit in the rice, the water and the expansion of the rice grains when cooked. 

Don’t be tempted to peek

Once the lid is on, leave the rice to cook so no steam escapes.

Leave the rice to rest

It will continue to absorb any remaining liquid.

Larger batches will need longer to cook (but just a minute or 2)

e.g.15 minutes for 4 cups is standard.

Storing and Reheating White Basmati Rice

Cooked basmati Rice keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

How to reheat fluffy Basmati rice

Add a splash of Water and cook covered on low heat on the stove or place in the Microwave.

How to freeze Basmati Rice

Basmati rice can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. 

To reheat, place in the microwave with a tablespoon of water and make sure the rice is piping hot all the way through before serving.

What to serve with Basmati Rice

Basmati Rice is the perfect side dish to recipes like:

Butter Chicken 

Chicken Hyderabadi

Lamb Chops Curry

Lamb Bhuna

Lamb Karahi

Easy Boneless Chicken Curry

Easy Pakistani Style White Chicken Karahi

Chicken Manchurian with Rice

Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Roast Chicken

BASMATI RICE RECIPE FAQs

Is Basmati Rice the same as White Rice?

No.

Basmati rice is a long grain, slender, aromatic rice that is fluffy once cooked. This tender rice has a nutty aroma and the grains are seperate when cooked.

White rice from the supermarket is usually short-grain rice. 

Is Basmati Rice healthier than white rice?

Basmati is considered a healthy super grain. It contains all 8 essential amino acids and is high in Fibre. It has no cholesterol, is low in sodium and has a low to medium glycemic index meaning energy is released at a steady rate throughout the day once consumed. However the differences between basmati Rice, White Rice and Brown rice are minute.

Does Rice need to be washed before cooking?

Yes it does. Often you will find that it has some grit in it. This process also helps to get rid of excess starch meaning you won’t get gummy or mushy rice.

Does Rice need to be soaked before cooking?

I know many people don’t soak rice before cooking and if I am in a rush, neither do i. 

In my experience, soaking basmati Rice yields better results. The rice cooks more evenly, it shortens cooking time and the rice becomes more fluffy too. 

Can you freeze Basmati Rice?

Yes you can! Simply, cool the rice completely then store in an airtight container in the fire for up to 3 months.

What is Basmati Rice used for?

Basmati rice is used in many dishes such as Pulao, Biryani or recipes from the Middle East such as Mandi. 

more easy rice recipes:

Ninja Foodi Rice

Jewelled Rice or Pilaf

Keema Rice

Chicken Akni, One Pot Chicken and Rice

Best Nando’s Spicy Peri Peri Rice

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