How To Cook White Basmati Rice

Follow these simple steps with measurements for make delicious fluffy rice every time.

To make perfect white rice you do not need any extra equipment such as a rice cooker or instant pot. It is very easy to make wonderful fluffy white rice on the stove top.

This recipe is for a no-drain rice where all the water is absorbed. The rice is first boiled and then left to steam.

This method is essential if you plan on adding spices or stock for flavour.

It is also much easier than having to drain away the excess water which oftentimes leaves a water-logged rice.

Follow my simple steps to make fluffy basmati rice every time.

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Jump to:

• Basmati rice to water ratio: how much water per cup of rice
• Adding vinegar
• Helpful tips
• Fragrant rice
• Storing
• What goes with rice
• More rice recipes
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• Reviews

Basmati rice to water ratio: how much water per cup of rice

One of the most common mistakes many people make is adding too much water giving a soggy rice. Here are the measurements for a perfect rice to water ratio.

These measurements take into consideration the fact that a tiny bit of water always remains after rinsing and draining.

The rule is simple: ¼ cup more water than rice, whatever the quantity. One serving is roughly ½ cup of raw rice. These amounts allow for the little water that clings to the grains after rinsing and draining, so don't shake the sieve dry.

Measure out the amount of rice: 1 serving is approximately ½ cup (see below for measurements).

• 1 cup of rice + 1 and ¼ cup of water for 2 people
• 2 cups of rice + 2 and ¼ cup of water for 4 people
• 3 cups of rice + 3 and ¼ cup of water for 6 servings.

Adding vinegar

Adding vinegar to the rice while it cooks cuts starchiness giving it a 'fresh' flavour, lowers the glycemic index and prolongs the freshness of the rice when storing leftovers.

Stir a splash of white wine vinegar into the rice as it boils. The vinegar seasons, cuts starchiness and lowers the glycemic index of the rice.

Find more useful tips for the home cook such as how to tenderize meat. and why you should not overcrowd the pan.

Helpful tips

• Select a suitable size saucepan for the quantity of rice you wish to make. Use a saucepan with a lid which fits properly so you lose don't  too much steam.
• Rinse the rice in a large bowl, swirling it around with your hand then drain. Repeat till the water is no longer cloudy (three times is normally sufficient). This gets rid of the excess starch.
• Melt butter in the saucepan. Although this is not essential, it gives a wonderful butteriness to the rice.
• Use hot water or stock (chicken, beef, or seafood stock). Boil water in a kettle, or if using stock heat it in a saucepan on the stove.
• This is optional, but I usually add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the starchiness.
• Add salt if using water or the stock is not salty.
• Turn the heat down to low, cover with the lid and cook for 10 minutes till the water is absorbed and the grains are soft.
• Do not stir the rice while cooking as this will release more starch, making it mushy.
• Allow the rice to rest with the lid on for 10 minutes as this continues the cooking process by steaming.
• Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking as this will allow the steam/moisture to escape.
• There is no need to rinse the rice again. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

Fragrant rice

For a wonderfully deliciously fragrant rice, stir in any of these ingredients before covering with the lid.

• 2 whole Kaffir lime leaves
• One dried lime (available in Middle Eastern stores)
• 2-3 cloves
• a bay leaf
• 1 crushed black cardamom
• 2-3 crushed green cardamoms
• a pinch of crushed strands of saffron

Storing

Store rice in a closed container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw, then add a tiny amount of water, cover and reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

What goes with rice

Rice works well with any dish that has a sauce. Try it with these recipes:

• Red lentil dal
• Black bean stew
• Punjabi chicken curry
• Chicken do pyaza
• Chicken curry with potatoes
• Zigni
• Butter chicken

More rice recipes

You may also like these savoury or sweet rice dishes.

• Sehriyeli pilav - delicious Turkish rice
• Mexican rice - perfect with all your Mexican dishes
• Machboos - chicken and rice dish from Oman and Bahrain
• This Puy lentil salad - perfect alongside fish, chicken or meat
• Easy giardiniera rice salad - an easy picnic food
• Saffron and Cardamom Kheer - aromatic Indian rice dessert
• Classic style Indian Kheer dessert

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