In this article, we will share the knowledge about how to cook basmati rice on the stove, which will help you to make the perfect basmati rice. Basmati rice is famous worldwide for its amazing taste and beautiful aroma. There is a saying in Indian culture that the eyes feel the first pleasure of food before the tongue and stomach have it. When you have basmati rice on the plate, it provides you with a sense of pleasure and gives you a feeling of fulfillment.
About Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a long-grain type of white color rice. The name “Basmati” is derived from the Hindi word “basmati”, which means “Fragrant”.
This rice has a nutty and pleasant smell, and it is mainly cultivated and harvested in India and Pakistan. Basmati rice is a perfect combination of different types of dishes like soup, ‘tikka masala’, vegetable dishes, and several other dishes.
How to Cook Basmati Rice on a Stove Perfectly
Basmati rice is known for its unique and notable aromatic fragrance. It can be served with different complementary dishes and on any occasion. Cooking basmati rice on the stove is an easy process. It helps to cook fluffy rice that can be combined perfectly with other dishes.
Here, we will learn the step-by-step process for cooking basmati rice on the stove.
Collect necessary equipment
For preparing any basmati rice dish, you will need some important utensils, and cutlery, including:
- Saucepan (mid-sized) with a lid or cap
- Colander
- Fork (rice paddle)
- Cup for measuring rice
On the other hand, important ingredients include:
- 1 cup of basmati rice
- 2 cups of water
- For seasoning, you can try salt (optional ingredient)
Rinse the rice
Basmati rice may contain an excessive amount of starch. So, you should rinse the rice under running water two or three times. Always remember to take cold water for rinsing. This process also helps to prevent the prepared rice from becoming too sticky when getting cooked.
Measure the right quantity of water
When we cook anything, measurements of every used item such as water, spices, herbs, etc., are important for a perfect dish. Here, while cooking basmati rice, the measurement of water is a requirement.
For every cup of basmati rice, you will need to add two cups of water. To prepare a perfect basmati rice dish, measure out the total needed amount of water according to the amount of rice. Now, pour it into the saucepan.
Here is a tip for you to cook fried or cooked rice – you can reduce the amount of water slightly.
Adding salt
As we mentioned above, salt is an optional ingredient. Salt is known as a natural flavor enhancer, that is, it plays a vital role in making fluffy rice, as it prevents rice from getting sticky.
Boiling water
After measuring the required water, now put the saucepan with water on the stove. Remember to adjust the heat at medium to high levels. Keep an eye on the saucepan and prevent water from overflowing. Boiling water is required for cooking a perfect basmati rice dish.
Add basmati rice
Once the water is boiled at the required level, add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot or saucepan. Use the fork to stir the rice and make sure it is completely mixed with water. Stirring helps to prevent the rice from getting too sticky and grouping (clamping).
Heat adjustment
After adding the rice mixed with water in the saucepan, reduce the heat of the stove to a low level. It helps to maintain a soft simmer.
Now, cover the pot or saucepan with a cap or lid to trap steam and cook the rice evenly. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes, to allow the basmati rice to simmer gently and undisturbed.
Check properly whether your rice is cooked or not
Once the rice is cooked completely, open the cap or lid of the saucepan or pot and remove it from the stove. Use a fork to fluff the rice. As it is a basmati rice, each grain tends to be separate. If the rice is slightly sticky or firm, you will need to remove extra water from the pot or saucepan. Just cover the saucepan or pot and let it cook for a few minutes.
Let it rest
Once the rice is completely cooked, remove it from the stove. Keep the cap on and wait for 5 to 10 minutes. It will help the basmati rice to ensure its original fluffy and aromatic texture.
Serving
Once you remove the lid from the saucepan or pot, use a rice paddle to fluff the prepared basmati rice dish. Using a spatula-type spoon, pour the basmati rice from the pot or saucepan on a serving plate or dish. Now, serve it standalone or with complementary dishes such as curry, etc.
Conclusion
If you want to know how to cook basmati rice on a stove, we have shown you an easy process that always gives you the best results for cooking. By following the steps mentioned in this blog, you can get perfectly cooked, fluffy basmati rice that pairs beautifully with a variety of other dishes like curry, chicken gravy, spicy mutton, etc.
