How to Cook Perfect Basmati Rice on the Stove
How to cook basmati rice (or other long-grain) pilau Indian style without a rice cooker. The result is perfect, fluffy grains each time, fragranced with spices to match its accompanying dish. Naturally gluten-free.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 315 g (11oz/ 1 ⅔ cups) basmati rice long-grain
- 1½ teaspoon olive oil (or mix of oil/butter)
- 2 cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric optional
- 3 cm (1 inch) piece of cinnamon stick optional (see NOTES)
- 350 g (12 floz/ ¾ pint/1½ cups) water
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- First weigh out the rice using digital scales, then wash in a large bowl with enough water to cover. Drain then soak in cold water for 30 minutes (it doesn't matter how much, as long as it covers the rice well) to remove any excess starch. Drain using a sieve or strainer.
- In a saucepan, gently heat the oil and add the cloves (plus other spices, if using) for up to a minute to release their fragrances. Add the drained rice and salt, stirring quickly to coat in the spiced oil as it sizzles. Add the measured water, stir to ensure no grains are sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook for about a minute on medium high heat until boiling. At this point, cover tightly with the lid and turn down the heat to very low.
- Simmer for 11 minutes (it's exact, no less) until all the water is absorbed without removing the lid. Take off the lid, turn off the heat and fluff up the rice with a fork. Still off the heat, return the lid on and leave for about 2 minutes to rest, so that the grains don't stick to the pan.
Notes
Other kinds of rice: This pilau recipe works well with other kinds of long-grain white rice, including Thai rice. If using brown rice, follow packet instructions but will take about 30 minutes.
Spices: Adapt the spices or flavours according to your accompanying dish: e.g. bay leaf to replace the cloves or a peppercorn if not Indian style dishes. Just follow the same method as above.
Quantities for 2 people: 158g Basmati, 175g water.
For 3 people: 236g Basmati, 262g water. Storage: store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.
For 3 people: 236g Basmati, 262g water. Storage: store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.
Nutrition
Calories: 303kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 6gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 98mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
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