Plain Basmati Rice

Plain basmati Rice has a wonderful fragrance and a taste all its own. Fluffy and aromatic, this rice is usually served with North-Indian vegetable curries, lentil soups, raitas, and pappadums.

You can cook this rice in a pressure cooker, rice cooker, or as in this recipe, in the old-fashioned way – in a pan on the stove.

Servings: 4
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (+ 25-30 minutes soaking time)

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• Salt, a pinch (optional)

Preparation

1. Wash the rice 2-3 time until water runs clear. Place it in a bowl and add 2 cups cold water. Let soak for 25-30 minutes. Drain in a sieve, and save the soaking water.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the water used for soaking and basmati rice along with some salt. Bring it to a boil. Stir gently, and cover and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the grain is cooked.
3. Turn off the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
4. Fluff the plain basmati rice gently with a fork, and serve with a vegetable curry of your choice.

Basmati Rice in the Rice Cooker

1. Wash the rice 2-3 time until water runs clear. Place it in a bowl and add 2 cups cold water. Let soak for 25-30 minutes. Drain in a sieve, and save the soaking water.
2. In a wide pan, heat 1 tsp vegetable oil and saute the rice for a minute on medium heat, until the rice grains are coated with oil and are beginning to turn white and aromatic. You can also add a small bay leaf and cardamom pod and saute for more flavor if you like.
3. Add the rice to the rice cooker along with almost 3 3/4 cups water for 2 cups of rice ( slightly less than double the quantity of water) and salt if desired, and turn on the cooker.
4. When the rice is cooked, use a plastic spoon or spatula to fluff and serve.

Category: Rice Recipes, Rice Recipes - No-Onion No-Garlic, Vegan Rice Recipes