Perfect Basmati Rice
This recipe yields perfectly fluffy and separated basmati rice, a staple side dish for many cuisines. The technique involves rinsing the grains thoroughly and cooking them with precise water ratios for an ideal texture. It's a simple yet essential accompaniment to curries and stews.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 35 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 269 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 1.5 cupbasmati rice, uncooked
- 2.25 cupwater
- 0.5 tspsalt
Equipment
tight-fitting lid · fine-mesh sieve · medium saucepan · fork
The method
Step by step
- 1
Place the basmati rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water for several minutes until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent sticky rice.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Rinsing is crucial for achieving fluffy, separate grains.
- 2
Transfer the rinsed rice to a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
About 1 min
- 3
Add the water and salt to the saucepan with the rice.
- 4
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, uncovered. Watch carefully to prevent boiling over.
About 5 min
- 5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with the lid, and cook for 12 minutes without lifting the lid.
About 12 min
Cook’s note: Do not peek or stir during this stage, as it releases steam and slows cooking.
- 6
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for at least 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and absorb any remaining moisture.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: This resting period is essential for perfectly cooked rice.
- 7
After resting, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
About 1 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 268.5kcal
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbs
- 58.3g
- Fat
- 0.4g
- Fibre
- 0.2g
- Sugar
- 0.1g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover basmati rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat with a splash of water in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
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