Basmati Rice Recipe, How to Cook Basmati Rice

Method8 steps · about 40 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dry basmati rice three times in separate washing water and drain. Reserve the measured cooking water for step 3.

   Uses 1 cup aged basmati rice · separate water for rinsing rice

   
2. 2

   Step 2: For aged rice, soak in separate water at least 15 minutes. Drain in a colander and gently shake off excess water. If using newly harvested rice, skip the soak and use 1½ cups cooking water in step 3.

   Uses separate water for soaking aged rice 15 minutes · rice rinsed three times and drained; cooking water reserved separately

   
3. 3

   Step 3: Put 2 cups cooking water in a heavy-bottomed pot, or 1½ cups for newly harvested rice. Add optional ¼–½ tsp salt and ½ tsp oil. Ghee may replace oil for a non-vegan version. If desired, add the optional whole spices to taste.

   Uses 2 cup water · 0.5 tsp oil · ¼–½ tsp salt · optional whole star anise for seasoning rice · optional cinnamon for seasoning rice · optional cloves for seasoning rice · optional cardamom for seasoning rice · optional cumin seeds for seasoning rice

   
4. 4

   Step 4: Bring the measured seasoned water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the drained rice and let it return to a rolling boil.

   Uses aged rice soaked at least 15 minutes and drained, or new rice rinsed and drained without soaking · 2 cups aged-rice water or 1½ cups new-rice water with optional seasoning

   
5. 5

   Step 5: Reduce the heat to lowest and cover the pot. Cook till all of the water is absorbed, for 10 to 11 minutes.

   Cook Basmati Rice · 11 minUses drained rice added and water returned to rolling boil

   
6. 6

   Step 6: Do not stir while the rice is cooking. If you see the rice bubbling and frothing up, simply open the lid 1 to 2 times before it overflows and cover back.

   Uses rice cooking over lowest heat in measured water

   
7. 7

   Step 7: After cooking, check the bottom with a rice paddle. Turn off the heat only when all measured cooking water is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.

   Uses rice checked after 10–11 minutes without stirring

   
8. 8

   Step 8: Cover the cooked rice and rest 10–15 minutes on the burner with the stove OFF. Gently fluff and serve.

   Rest Rice · 15 minUses rice fully cooked, water absorbed and stove turned off