Fragrant Basmati Rice Recipe

Name: Fragrant Basmati Rice
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian

Steve Holloway
Feb 26, 2024
4 min read

Updated: May 14

So what is it about rice that gets people in a tizz, many see it as a devil to cook and some won't even try, but when cooked correctly it is just delightful especially using this fragrant basmati rice recipe. Basmati rice has a wonderful fragrance that is released during cooking, and even more so when the absorption method is used, with just a light rinse and a short soak you can achieve great results every time. This aromatic delight is usually the first thing you notice when entering an Indian restaurant.

Serves 4 people

Preparation time 10minutes, cooking time 30 minutes, resting time 30 minutes.

Recipe Difficulty level - Beginner-Friendly

Special equipment - none

Nutritional values

For a typical serving of plain cooked long-grain white rice (about 1 cup or 158 grams), the approximate nutritional values are as follows:

- Calories: 205 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 45 grams

- Protein: 4.3 grams

- Fat: 0.4 grams

- Fiber: 0.6 grams

- Sugars: 0.1 grams

- Sodium: 1 mg

Please note that these values can vary slightly depending on the type of rice and cooking method. For brown rice, the calorie and fiber content are higher, roughly 215 calories and 3.5 grams of fiber per cooked cup.

Fragrant basmati rice recipe- by the absorption method

Ingredients:

1 cup of basmati or long grain rice
1.5 cup of water
1 tablespoons of butter
1/2 tsp Himalayan or Celtic sea salt
Fresh chopped coriander leaves for garnish

How to cook fragrant rice

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Step 1:

Wash the rice in cold water until it runs clear washing out most of the starch, then cover the rice with cold water and soak for around half an hour, Then rinse until clear again.

Step 2:

In a pan with tight fitting lid melt the butter and add the rice and stir so that the butter coats the rice grains.

Step 3:

Now add the water and and salt and bring to the boil for a minute or two give one last good stir.

Step 4:

Place the tight fitting lid and reduce the heat to the lowest level possible. Set a timer for 15 minutes, when this has passed turn off the heat and set a second timer again for another 15 minutes try not to lift the lid during the cooking process.

Step 5:

Now remove the lid and using a fork gently lift the rice from the bottom of the pan to separate the grains. Garnish and serve.

For better results, place the rice in a warm oven at around 150°c or in a warming draw for 30 minutes.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about cooking and storing rice:

Q1: How do I rinse rice properly?

A1: Rinse rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming sticky.

Q2: How long should I cook rice?

Q3: Can I store cooked rice?

Q4: How do I reheat leftover rice?

Q5: Is it safe to freeze rice?

Q6: How can I prevent rice from sticking together?

Q7: Why does rice sometimes have a foul smell after storage?

Goes well with

Conclusion

In conclusion, preparing fragrant basmati rice using the absorption method is an effective technique that yields fluffy, flavorful grains with a delightful aroma. By carefully rinsing the rice, using the correct water-to-rice ratio, and allowing it to absorb the water fully during cooking, you can achieve perfectly cooked rice every time. This method not only enhances the natural aroma and texture of basmati rice but also ensures minimal nutrient loss and efficient cooking. With practice, the absorption method becomes a reliable way to enjoy this aromatic staple in a variety of dishes, making it a valuable skill in the kitchen.

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