Perfect basmati rice will have separate fluffy rice grains, without any rice that is undercooked or overcooked. Basmati rice is different from many other types of rice in that it is drier; for example, it is drier than sushi rice.
Use a Rice Cooker to Make the Perfect Basmati Rice
Fuzzy logic rice cookers are an excellent way to make perfect basmati rice almost every time. You need to be careful to put the right amount of water in the cooker for the amount of rice you are making. Before cooking the rice, don’t forget to rinse it. For truly fluffy rice, soak the rice in cool water for 20 minutes before putting it in the rice cooker. You can add dried spices to the rice before cooking it for a rich flavor.
For basmati rice, you will need at least one and a half cups of water per cup of rice. You also need to select the right cooking setting. For basmati rice of the Asian style, use the white rice setting. For crunchier basmati rice, soak the rice in salt water for 20 minutes with at least one tea spoon of rice per cup of water, and then cook it on a harder menu selection. However, for the best results when cooking basmati rice in a rice cooker, do not add lentils to the rice before cooking it. Instead, cook the lentils separately and add to the final dish.
Proper Technique on the Stovetop Cooking of Basmati Rice
If you are cooking rice on a stovetop, set a pot full of water a burner set to medium heat. Let the rice soak in cold water for about 20 minutes before draining the rice. Wait until the rice hits a full boil before acting. Then set the burner to a simmer temperature. Put the rice into the pot, then put a lid on top of it. Set a timer for twenty minutes. Then let the rice cook. When the rice is cooking, be careful not to open the lid. This lets the steam and heat out and causes the rice to come out undercooked. When the timer goes off, immediately take off the lid and start fluffing the rice with a large spoon. Don’t press the rice down or against the side of the bill. At this point, you can add any spices, oil, sauces or butter.
Making Perfect Basmati Rice in the Microwave
Rinse the rice for 20 to 30 minutes in cold water. Pour the rinse water down a drain. Place the rice in one and a half cups of water for each cup of rice in a microwave safe bowl. Put the dish in the microwave, but leave the rice uncovered. Run the microwave on high for 15 minutes. You can stop the microwave before the fifteen minute mark if steam escaping from the rice is leaving holes in the rice. Then put a cover on the dish and run the microwave for another five minutes on high power. When the microwave is done, take the rice dish out. Set in on the counter with the lid still in place. Let the rice sit for five more minutes with the lid on, essentially simmering. Now take the lid off and fluff the rice with a spoon or fork. At this point, you can add spices, seasoning or sauces.
Most people stick to the same old boring white or brown rice, but you can add new types of any food to your menus without much fuss. Don’t be afraid to try basmati rice.
How to cook basmati rice (Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookbookman/6121427720/sizes/l/in/photostream/)
About the Author
Jennifer Bachman has been making gluten free foods for her family for over 3 years now. She uses her rice cooker almost daily for all sorts of easy one-pot healthy meals.
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