When it comes to flavor and aroma, nothing beats basmati rice! This fragrant long grain rice variety has been a staple of Asian cuisine for centuries, and for good reason. But what’s the best way to cook basmati? And what are the best recipes to make featuring basmati rice? Join Mahatma® Rice as we delve into the delicious world of recipes with basmati rice, and provide you with 5 easy ways to prepare it along with a host of irresistible recipes guaranteed to jazz up mealtimes in your home.
Origins and Characteristics
The name “Basmati” translates to “fragrant” in Sanskrit, which perfectly describes its aromatic qualities. This rice is long-grained and known for its fluffy and non-sticky texture once cooked, making it an ideal choice for various dishes. Some key characteristics of basmati rice include:
- Long grains that elongate upon cooking.
- A distinctive nutty flavor that enhances many culinary creations.
- A light, fluffy texture, setting it apart from other rice varieties.
- A natural aroma that adds depth to meals.
1: Cooking Basmati Rice on the Stovetop
First up, let’s take a look at how best to prepare the basmati variety on its own. To cook basmati rice on the stovetop, you’re going to need Mahatma® Basmati Rice, water, a pot with a secure lid, and a fork for fluffing. Now, let’s go through the steps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the rice to remove any excess starch. Bring water to a boil and add rice. Remember, the rice-to-water ratio is 1 ¾ cups of water per 1 cup of basmati rice.
- Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
- Leave to cool for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
So now that we’re up to speed on the stovetop preparation method of basmati rice, let’s look at our first recipes of the day.
Breakfast with Basmati
Sure, you may not typically associate rice with breakfast time, but you will after you try this Breakfast Basmati Rice with Bananas recipe! A hearty meal to start the day, this fruity rice breakfast has long been a favorite in Latin American cuisine.
Poke Bowl
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy basmati rice in its purest form for either lunch or dinner, consider adding it to your favorite poke bowl recipe. Don’t know any poke bowl recipes? Don’t fret! This Tuna Avocado Poke Bowl recipe is a great place to start. Packed with nutritious ingredients like avocado, tuna, radish, and mango, this delightfully simple dish is ready in 20 minutes. What’s more, you’ll love how basmati rice provides the perfect base for this mouthwatering medley of ingredients.
2: Rice Cooker
Using a rice cooker is a convenient and efficient way to prepare basmati rice, ensuring consistent results with minimal effort. This method significantly reduces the likelihood of overcooking or undercooking the rice. Curious to learn more about the rice cooker method? Check out our guide on How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker. Here you’ll find out everything you need to know. Then, once you feel confident enough to give it a go yourself, try this fragrant and flavorful Lime and Saffron Basmati Rice recipe. Made with just a few choice herbs and ingredients, it’s a light yet satisfying dish that will put your rice cooker to good use. Try it as a side dish or a light lunch and delight in the results!
3: Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that offers a speedy and efficient way to cook basmati rice. This method is popular for its ease and convenience, allowing for perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort. If you’re a fan of cooking rice recipes on a regular basis, it’s certainly worth investing in one. For an easy recipe to put your Instant Pot to use, this Spicy Southwest Rice Salad is perfect. Loaded with peppers, black beans, corn, crumbly feta, and spicy salsa, it’s a rice salad that packs a punch.
4: Steaming Method
Steaming basmati rice is a fantastic method that results in exceptionally fluffy and light rice. This technique allows the grains to cook evenly while retaining their aromatic qualities and nutrients.
Setting Up a Steamer
To steam basmati rice, you’ll need:
- A pot or large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid
- A steaming basket or a heatproof plate that fits into the pot
- Water for boiling
Begin by filling the pot with water up to a level where it does not touch the rice. Bring the water to a boil before adding the rice. A steaming basket allows steam to circulate freely around the rice, ensuring even cooking.
Steaming Process
Once the setup is ready, follow these steps for steaming basmati rice:
- Rinse the Rice: Before steaming, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, which helps prevent stickiness.
- Prepare the Rice: Place the rinsed basmati rice in the steaming basket or on the heatproof plate. Spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Cover: Cover the basket or plate with a lid. This will trap steam and help the rice cook evenly.
- Steam: Steam the rice for about 25 to 30 minutes.
It’s essential to keep an eye on the water level in the pot, ensuring it does not boil dry. If needed, add more boiling water as the rice steams to maintain steam flow.
If this technique has piqued your interest, then this Classic Chimichurri Rice recipe is the perfect excuse to try it out for yourself. It’s a simple basmati-based rice dish loaded with spices and herbs that results in a satisfying meal; perfect for those busy days when you find yourself craving fragrant rice dishes.
5: Cooking Basmati Rice in a Microwave
Finally, for when you don’t have access to a stovetop, you can cook basmati in the microwave. You will need to adjust the rice-to-water ratio to 3 cups of water per 1 cup of rice. Simply add the rice to a microwave safe dish, add water, and microwave on high for 10 minutes. After that, reduce heat to medium and microwave for an additional 20 minutes.
Microwaving rice is a viable option for both salad and rice bowl dishes where the rice is prepared separately from the ingredients. Convenient and hassle-free, this method frees you up to focus on the other components of your meal. In this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Rice Bowl recipe, you’ll love how the succulent chicken and classic Greek salad ingredients meld perfectly with basmati rice. Best of all, you can rustle this gem of a dish up in no time!
Elevate your Rice Meals with Basmati
Now that you’ve got to grips with a range of simple ways to prepare basmati rice, it’s time to get into the kitchen and get creative. At Mahatma® Rice, we say #playwithyourfood. Have fun with flavors and recipes and get your loved ones involved. After all, nothing brings people together better than good old-fashioned home-cooked meals.
For more expert tips and recipe ideas, be sure to drop by our kitchen to see what’s cooking.
