Perfect White Basmati Rice

Fluffy white basmati rice with long separate grains in a ceramic serving bowl.

Light, fragrant white basmati rice with long, separate grains. Thorough rinsing, soaking and a covered rest make this simple absorption method dependable.

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Prep Time 45

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Servings

Calories 296 kcal

Ingredients

300 g white basmati rice
450 ml fresh cold water for cooking
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons ghee or neutral oil optional
Additional cold water for rinsing and soaking

Instructions

Put the rice in a large bowl and cover generously with cold water. Swirl it gently with your fingers, drain and repeat 5 to 7 times, until the water is almost clear.
Cover the rinsed rice with fresh cold water and soak for 30 minutes.
Drain through a fine mesh sieve and leave for 5 minutes so excess water can run off.
Tip the rice into a medium heavy based saucepan. Add 450ml fresh cold water, the salt and the ghee or oil, if using.
Bring to a full boil over a medium high heat. Stir once gently, fit a tight lid and immediately reduce the heat to its lowest setting.
Cook for 10 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from the heat and leave covered for 10 minutes.
Lift the lid and check a grain. If it is still firm at the centre, sprinkle over 1 tablespoon boiling water, cover and place over the lowest heat for 2 more minutes, then rest for 5 minutes.
Fluff gently with a fork, using a lifting motion to separate the grains, and serve immediately.

Notes

Keep the lid closed during cooking and resting so the steam cannot escape.

If using an electric hob, move the pan to a second ring set to low after it reaches the boil.

Rice brands vary slightly. If the same brand repeatedly cooks too soft, reduce the cooking water by 15ml next time. If it stays firm, add 15ml.

For food safety, cool leftovers quickly, ideally within one hour. Refrigerate and consume within 24 hours. Reheat only once, until steaming hot throughout.

Nutrition

Calories: 296kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 5gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 440mgPotassium: 86mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg

Keyword fluffy basmati rice, saucepan basmati rice, white rice for curry

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