Boiled Basmati Rice | The Curry Man

About this Basmati rice recipe

While you make this recipe following my directions, you’ll get gentle, separate grains which can be deliciously aromatic. That is the proper facet for serving with any curry.

That is the strategy I take advantage of most frequently when entertaining and it has additionally featured in a lot of my books. When cooking Basmati rice for a small group of say 4, I choose to make use of this steamed methodology however for bigger teams or if cooking rice for a biryani, that is one of the best ways to do it.

Neglect overcomplicated strategies or fancy rice cookers. You don’t want them. All you want is good-quality aged Basmati rice, loads of boiling water, and a little bit of know-how.

Why Basmati?

If you happen to’ve ever had rice in a good Indian restaurant or curry home, chances are high it was Basmati. This long-grain selection from India and Pakistan is known for its nutty aroma, fluffy texture, and skill to keep separate when cooked correctly.

However right here’s the factor… not all Basmati is created equal.

Purchase aged Basmati rice. The longer it’s been aged (1–2 years is good), the higher it cooks. It’s drier, which implies it absorbs water extra persistently and provides you that fluffy end each time.

Manufacturers like Tilda, Daawat, and Laila are my go-to. Spend a little bit extra, and it pays off each time.

Why use the boiling methodology for cooking Basmati rice?

There are a great deal of methods to prepare dinner rice — absorption methodology, microwave, strain cookers… however for simplicity and reliability, the boiling methodology is certainly one to strive.

Right here’s why:

• It’s fast and straightforward.
• You get whole management over texture.
• If you happen to style and drain on the proper second, it’s nearly unattainable to mess up.

Similar to cooking pasta: loads of water, boiling sizzling, salt added — and drain when executed.

Components

You do not want numerous elements to make a scrumptious Basmati rice dish!

• Basmati rice
• Water
• Salt
• Oil, butter or ghee (elective)

See recipe card for portions.

Directions

Use this part for course of photographs, alternating between the step and picture exhibiting the step. Customers do not like seeing course of photographs cluttering up the recipe card, so embody your course of photographs right here.

1. Step 1: Pour the rice into a big bowl and canopy with water. Swirl it round along with your hand. The water will change into milky from the surplus starch. Pour the water out and repeat about 5 occasions.

2. Step 2: After washing the rice in 5 adjustments of water, the water ought to be nearly clear. That’s how you understand that you’ve eliminated a lot of the starch. Pour the water out and add recent water. Let the rice soak for not less than half-hour.

Suggestions for Fluffy Basmati Each Time

Rinse totally – this step actually issues.

Use aged rice – it holds its form higher and tastes wonderful.

Boil like pasta – loads of water and salt, quick and sizzling. Cramped rice turns into stodgy rice. The rice must be swimming, not sitting within the sizzling water.

Relaxation earlier than fluffing – that steam end offers excellent texture.

Don’t stir an excessive amount of when cooked – you’ll break the grains and make it gummy.

Gear

Giant saucepan with a lid: You received’t want the lid to prepare dinner the rice however it can assist hold it heat earlier than serving.

Sieve or fantastic colander: For straining the rice.

Fork: Use a fork or chopstick to stir the rice earlier than serving. By no means use a spoon – belief me.

Storage

You possibly can retailer boiled Basmati rice however you do want to think about the next tips:

1. Cool it rapidly – Unfold the rice out on a tray or place it in a shallow container to chill. Get it into the fridge inside one hour of cooking to keep away from micro organism like Bacillus cereus rising.
2. Retailer in an hermetic container – This retains it recent and prevents it from absorbing different fridge smells.
3. Reheat totally – When reheating, make sure that it’s steaming sizzling all through. Don’t reheat rice greater than as soon as.

Are you able to freeze cooked Basmati rice?

Sure! It freezes very properly. Simply portion it out into freezer-safe luggage or containers. It’ll final for as much as 1 month within the freezer. Reheat from frozen within the microwave or defrost within the fridge and warmth in a sizzling pan with a splash of water.

You can even add chilly (not sizzling) rice to grease in a pan to make fried rice.

How do you reheat Basmati rice?

There are a number of methods to reheat chilly Basmati rice. You possibly can select the strategy that’s greatest for you under.

2. Stovetop Reheat

Finest for: Bigger parts or fried rice-style dishes.

• Step 1: Warmth a non-stick pan or wok over medium warmth.
• Step 2: Add a splash of oil or water, then add the rice.
• Step 3: Stir regularly, breaking apart any clumps.
• Step 4: Cowl with a lid for a minute or two to lure steam and warmth evenly.

Step 5: As soon as sizzling all through, fluff and serve.

3. Steam Reheat (for Fluffiest Outcomes)

Finest for: Fluffy, mushy rice such as you’d get in eating places.

• Step 1: Arrange a steamer or use a colander set over a pot of boiling water.
• Step 2: Place the rice within the colander and canopy with a lid or foil.
• Step 3: Steam for five–7 minutes, stirring a few times.
• Step 4: Fluff with a fork and serve.

Ultimate Ideas

Most individuals don’t pay sufficient consideration when after they prepare dinner rice this fashion. It’s not simply one thing you slap on the plate to fill area. When it’s cooked proper, it turns into a dish in its personal proper. Aromatic, fluffy, and completely boiled Basmati rice makes each curry style higher.

So the subsequent time you’re planning a curry night time at dwelling, give this boiled Basmati methodology a go. You don’t want any fancy gear, simply good rice, boiling water, and a little bit of care.

It’s easy. It’s satisfying. And when you nail it, you’ll be assured your rice will end up completely, each time you prepare dinner it.