Basmati rice is a variant of aromatic rice originating in India and its price makes it one of the most expensive in the world. Its grains have a peculiar shape, long and slender, and take on a dry and firm texture when cooked in the right way. Cooking basmati rice might seem difficult, but following the correct directions and being careful while cooking the result will be as delicious as it is easy to achieve.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Soak the Rice
Step 1. Pour 240g of rice into a bowl
Weigh it with the kitchen scale to make sure you are using the exact amount, otherwise it may be impossible to achieve the perfect doneness.
- If you want to prepare several portions of rice, keep the proportions indicated in relation to the other ingredients.
- Normally, you will need to use about 360-480 ml of water for every 240 g of rice, respecting a ratio of about 1: 1, 5 or 1: 2 between rice and water.
Step 2. Fill the bowl with water until the rice is submerged
You can use cold tap water. Do not let the water overflow, otherwise a few grains of rice could end up in the sink.
The water should cover the surface of the rice a little
Step 3. Stir the rice for one minute using a spoon
Moving the rice in the water makes it lose its starch. This step is an integral part of the traditional method of cooking Basmati rice. After one minute the water in the bowl should appear cloudy and milky.
Removing the starch from the rice serves to prevent the grains from sticking together excessively, a peculiarity that instead characterizes the dishes of Korean and Japanese cuisine
Step 4. Drain the rice
You can use a common colander, colander or sieve. Make sure you get rid of all the water and be careful not to drop the rice grains in the sink.
- If you don't have a special kitchen utensil available, you can tilt the bowl over the sink to let the water run out.
- Be careful not to tilt it too much, otherwise the rice will come out.
Step 5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 until the soaking water remains clear
Continue washing and straining the rice grains until the water is clear even after mixing. At that point you will be sure that you have eliminated all the starch from the rice, being able to give the dish the ideal consistency.
Generally it is necessary to wash the rice 3 -4 times to be able to remove all the excess starch
Step 6. Fill the bowl with water again, then let the rice soak for 30 minutes
The beans will absorb the liquid, expanding and acquiring greater consistency.
Another benefit of soaking is that, by increasing in volume, the rice grains will be able to absorb a greater amount of seasoning
Method 2 of 3: Cook Basmati Rice in a Pot
Step 1. Pour the water into a large pot
As mentioned earlier, you will need to use around 360-480ml of water for every 240g of basmati rice. A higher quantity of water would risk making it soggy, while a lower quantity could make it stay hard.
- Do not add less water than indicated, otherwise the rice may remain raw or risk burning.
- If you want to prepare a large dose of rice, remember to proportionally increase the amount of water as well.
Step 2. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water
The salted water will add flavor to the rice, and it will also start boiling at a higher temperature and more intensely and evenly.
- Generally the water boils at 100 ° C, but when you add salt you bring the boiling threshold to 102 ° C.
- Adding salt at the end of cooking would risk making it too salty.
Step 3. Put the pot on the stove, then bring the water to a boil
Use a medium-high heat and wait to see large bubbles breaking on the surface of the water.
The exact time depends on the intensity of the heat produced by the stove, but normally the water should boil after about 5-10 minutes
Step 4. Add the rice to the pot
Pour it into the water as soon as it has reached full boiling. The boil may subside for a while, but do not change the intensity of the heat.
Do not pour the rice into the pot from too high a height to avoid splashing yourself with the boiling water
Step 5. Stir the rice while you wait for the water to boil briskly
Use a spoon made of wood or another material suitable for withstanding intense heat.
It should take a couple of minutes for the water to boil again
Step 6. Set the flame to low intensity
When the water starts boiling briskly, reduce the heat to a low setting. During cooking, the water should simmer slightly, without exceeding the boiling point.
Step 7. Cover the pot with the lid, then let the rice cook for 15 minutes
The cooking temperature should remain low all the time. These indications are suitable for cooking traditional basmati rice, but may not be suitable for some particular varieties, such as wholemeal, which instead may require a longer cooking time.
- Do not remove the lid from the pot so as not to let out the steam that is used to cook the rice.
- Do not stir the rice while it is cooking, otherwise the grains may break or become mushy.
Step 8. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes, then move it with your fork before serving
During those 5 minutes, any rice grains that are not yet perfectly ready will finish cooking, and the remaining water will have time to evaporate. After letting them rest, mix them with a fork to separate them and make them fluffier.
Moving the rice grains with a fork serves to detach them from each other, avoiding lumps and obtaining a soft and light consistency
Method 3 of 3: Microwave Basmati Rice
Step 1. Pour the rice and water into a bowl in a ratio of about 1: 2
Make sure it's a container suitable for microwave use, then add 240g of rice and 480ml of water. If you want to prepare a larger quantity of rice, remember to proportionally increase the dose of water as well.
- For example, for 480 g of rice use 960 ml of water, for 720 g of rice, 1,440 ml of water, and so on.
- Make sure the bowl you select is large enough.
Step 2. Microwave the rice for 6-7 minutes on high heat, without using a lid
The exact cooking time varies according to the power of the oven.
- If your microwave has 750 W power, cook the rice for 6 minutes.
- If your microwave is 650W, cook the rice for 7 minutes.
Step 3. Now cover the bowl with microwavable cling film, leaving a small vent on the side
The cover serves to trap the steam needed to complete the cooking of the rice.
- Do not puncture the film placed on the tureen.
- Make sure you use a type of intense heat resistant microwave film.
Step 4. Set the oven to medium power (350W), then cook the rice for another 15 minutes
Refer to your oven's instruction manual to find out how to reduce the heat to a medium level. Keeping a high temperature will risk burning or overcooking the rice.
You should never stir the rice during the cooking process
Step 5. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes, then move it with your fork before serving
Once removed from the oven, the rice may not be fully cooked yet. After letting it rest and finish cooking, mix it with a fork to separate the beans and make it softer.
