Basmati rice is a long grain that carries a wonderful aroma and is available for many centuries. Basmati rice is grown in certain geographical areas, more seen in the Himalayan foothills along the Indian sub-continent. Basmati rice tastes best when it is rightly cooked. So, If you are using basmati rice daily, you should know how to cook basmati rice Indian style so that you can enjoy the real essence of this rice.
Basmati rice comes with the unique characteristics of being extra long slender grains that increase at least twice their original size after cooking. Its main characteristic is that it is long, soft, and fluffy after cooking. It provides a delicious taste, unique flavour, and superior aroma. Among other long-grain rice types, basmati rice is unique and excellent rice for taste. It goes well with any Indian dish and is mostly loved by many people. If you know how to cook basmati rice rightly, then it is best to eat this rice daily.
What are the varieties of Basmati rice?
Basmati rice is seen in about 34 varieties and has been reported under the seeds Act of 1966. Some of the varieties of basmati rice are Basmati 217, Basmati 370, Type 3 Punjab Basmati 1, Pusa Basmati 1, Kasturi, Mahi Sugandha, Haryana Basmati, Ranbir Basmati, and many more.
Also, basmati comes in two forms, white and brown. Both types are good with a unique smell and carry a nutty taste. The processing is more in white basmati rice, where the germ, hull, and bran are fully removed. While the brown basmati rice process removes only the hull. However, both types are tasty and healthy to include in your daily diet.
What is the main difference between white and basmati rice?
Basmati rice is a long grain that is delicious and carries a wonderful taste and aroma. It is the longest form of rice and is traditionally grown in some parts of India and Nepal. Most South Asian cooking uses basmati rice which is also popular in many parts of the Middle East. If you take care how to cook basmati rice India style, then it comes out tender and fluffy. Like other white rice, it does not give a sticky texture. This is its unique feature, along with its taste. Due to this, it makes versatile rice for serving and it goes well with any dish.
How to cook perfect brown basmati rice?
To cook a bowl of perfect basmati rice, all you need is four main ingredients. They are:
- Virgin oil – The traditional recipe, has including a splash of virgin oil to give a nice fragrance to basmati rice after cooking.
- Basmati rice – Choose basmati rice from the best brands. Take the right quantity that you wish to cook rice. You need not soak the basmati rice before cooking.
- Water – This is the cooking liquid and differs based on the quantity of rice you take.
- Salt – Salt is used to flavour the rice and is important to give the right taste to the rice after cooking.
- Cardamon and Bay leaf – This is optional, however, if used, increases the aroma of the rice after cooking.
Let’s see the cooking process of basmati rice.
Step 1 – Take the right amount of basmati rice and rinse well before cooking. Wash it about four to five times, till the water runs clear off the rice. This helps to remove the starch from the grain’s surface. The presence of starch makes the rice stick and gives a gummy texture. So, for fluffy rice, you must remove the starch.
Step 2 – Take the right amount of water to cook basmati rice. The normal ratio of basmati rice to water is one cup of rice to one and a half cups of water. If the ratio does not match, the texture of the rice will not be proper after cooking.
Step 3 – Make use of a non-stick pot for cooking basmati rice. This will ensure that the rice does not stick to the bottom of the vessel. In the case of a non-stick pot, the rice comes out properly without sticking after cooking.
Step 4 – For better results, toast the rice well with oil before adding water. This step increases the flavour by adding to the nutty taste of the basmati rice. So, before adding water, toast well such that the oil touches each rice grain.
Step 5 – Season the basmati rice well with salt. This brings in the right balance of the rice after cooking. As an optional ingredient, you can also add bay leaf or cardamon pods. This will increase the flavour of basmati rice after cooking. If you wish to add these optional ingredients, add them when you add water.
Step 6 – After the cooking process, allow the rice to rest for some time before mixing them to serve. Once the rice is cooked well, let it remain like that for some time. After some time, fluff it with a fork. If you mix it immediately after cooking, then the rice becomes sticky and you do not get the right texture of the rice. So, for better results wait for about 15 mins to rest and then open the lid of the cooking pot to serve.
Conclusion – These steps help you to cook basmati rice. Follow these steps next time when cook basmati rice, so that you get proper and well-cooked rice.
