Basmati rice is a thin long-grained rice which is grown in the Asian subcontinent. Its nutty flavor and appetizing aroma makes it different from all other varieties of rice. Basmati has a fluffy and non-sticky texture, which makes it perfect for making chicken biryani, matar pulav, fried rice, pilaf, saffron rice and much more. India ranks 1st in the production and export of Basmati rice. You will find the best Indian Basmati rice in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttrakhand region (states of India). Thousands types of Basmati are cultivated in India,? but APEDA (Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) has notified 29 varieties of this aromatic rice under the food act 1996.Some of which are Pusa Basmati, Kasturi Basmati, Mahi Sugandha Basmati etc.
Basmati rice is the staple food of Asian people and cooked in millions of homes everyday. But still many people are incapable of cooking it in the right way. The Basmati rice elongates to double if cooked properly. In this article we will discuss a few steps that help you make fluffy and non-sticky Basmati rice. But before preceding let us know the difference between basmati rice and Plain rice.
Difference Between Basmati Rice And Plain Rice
Here are the key differences between Basmati and plain rice :
- Basmati rice has less starch content than plain rice.
- Its grain is more slender and longer.
- Its flavor and aroma is richer than the plain rice
- It contains less calories and carbs than regular rice
- The nutritional value of Basmati is higher than plain rice.
Steps To Cook Perfect Basmati Rice
The cooking procedure of Basmati rice is a bit different from making regular white rice. The following steps will help you to perfect Basmati rice-:
- Wash It Well
The first and essential step to make perfect Basmati is to wash it properly. This will remove excess starch and dirt. Fill the vessel with water and add rice to it, mash it by hand and drain the water. Repeat this 3-4 times, or until the water looks quite clear.
- Rinse
After washing the rice, soak it in the cold water for 20 to 30 minutes. This is not a necessary step but if you want to cook fluffy and extra long Basmati then you have to follow it. The soaking increases the length of Basmati grain by 2-3 mm. Not just that it also reduces the cooking time by 20%.
- Put Soaked Rice In Heavy Bottom Pot
Always use a heavy bottom pan to prepare Basmati or any other type of rice, as it distributes the heat evenly which aids the grain to attain great texture. It spreads steam uniformly and protects the rice from burning at the bottom. On the other hand thin rice can burn the rice and degrades its quality.
- Add Salt
Most of the people don’t know the benefit of adding salt in the Basmati rice. A pinch of salt can enhance the taste as well as the finish of the rice. It prevents the starch from forming gluten and maintains the fluffiness of the rice.
- Add Water
Add water into the pot. The appropriate rice to water ratio for Basmati is 1?: 1; you need to add one and a half cup of water in one cup of Basmati rice. In case you are cooking a large quantity of rice then it would be better to reduce the ratio of water slightly.
- Cook It On Medium Flame
Cover the pot with the tight lid and place it on the stove top. Cook the rice on medium flame for first 5 minutes and then simmer the heat for another 10 minutes.
- Give Rest
Do not take off the lid instantly. Allow cooked rice to rest for at least 10 minutes.
The Bottom Line -:
The above tips can help you to prepare the fluffy, non-sticky and appetizing Basmati rice.
