Basmati rice is a type of white rice commonly found in the Himalayas, India, and Pakistan, from which India produces two-thirds of the world\'s supply. It is extra long grain basmati rice with a mild and floral flavor that is popular as a side dish for rice pilafs and curries.

Fast Facts:

• Varieties: brown, white
• Origin: India, Pakistan
• Common Uses: pilaf, side dish for curries
• Storage: airtight container in a cool, dry place

Basmati Rice vs. Jasmine Rice

Rice is generally divided into three groups by size - long grain, medium grain, and short grain. Basmati shares the long grain group with jasmine rice and American long grain rice. Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are some of the Southeast Asian nations where jasmine rice is most frequently farmed and consumed. Although it tastes similar to basmati rice, the texture is firmer. Basmati rice has a clean grain without the starch of jasmine rice.

Varieties

Basmati rice usually comes in both white and brown varieties. White basmati rice is more common, but brown basmati rice can be found in many health food stores. Brown rice is rich in fiber and has a nutty, rich flavor and firm texture. It takes much longer to cook than white rice.

How to Cook With Basmati Rice

Home cooks have different techniques for cooking the perfect rice, but each one involves several steps. Wash the basmati rice until the water is mostly clear and well-dried. The standard rice and the liquid ratio is 1 to 1 1/2. Bring to a boil over high heat, turn to low heat, cover tightly, and simmer until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Some recipes call for soaking the rice first to soften it, but it\'s not necessary.

Basmati rice is popular with various Indian curries as the crisp grains absorb the sauce happily. It is also famous for making rice pilaf, a grain side dish cooked with spice ingredients and flavored with other ingredients such as nuts.

What Does It Taste Like?

Compared to many other types of rice, basmati rice has a nutty, flowery, and slightly spicy flavor. It\'s still light but has a sweeter aroma than the other more aromatic ingredients. When cooked properly, the soft grains stay separate and are not sticky. Rice goes well with light and aromatic curries and dishes that complement each other without losing color.

Basmati Rice Recipes

Basmati rice is a delicious addition to cayenne and can add a bit of zing with spice and flavor. It is perfect for pilaf or to make tahdig (crispy Persian rice).

• Vegan Basmati Rice
• Potato and basmati rice pilaf
• Tahdig (Persian rice)

How to Cook Rice Perfectly Every Time

There is no single best way to cook rice. More important than the method used (stove, oven, or rice cooker) is using the correct ratio of rice to liquid, which will vary by method, and preparing the rice properly by soaking in cold water. have to Remove the starch. Choose a cooking method based on what works best for you. If you don\'t want to turn on the oven and want to heat the house, use a rice cooker or stove. Make room for your oven or rice cooker if you need extra burners for other cookware.

On the Stove

• Start with 1 cup of uncooked basmati rice. This is enough for four regular servings of rice. Washing the rice is optional, but here\'s how to make the rice less sticky.
• In a medium saucepan with a thick bottom and a tight-fitting lid, combine the rice and 1 3/4 cups liquid (water or stock). If using only water, add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir once to break up the lumps.
• Bring to a boil, cover the rice, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook for 18 minutes.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Use a fork to blow the rice to release steam. This actually matters because the steam that is created will continue to cook the rice and make it very soft.

In the Rice Cooker

• Rinse 1 cup of rice with cold water until the water runs clear.
• Mix washed rice with 1 cup of water in a rice cooker and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. If you use salty soup, you can omit the salt.
• Turn on the rice cooker and set the correct time as per the machine manual.
• After the rice cooker turns off automatically, let the rice rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Stir the rice and serve.

In the Oven

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Rice should be thoroughly rinsed in cold water until the water is clear.
• Place 1 cup long grain rice and 2 cups liquid in a heatproof pot with an airtight lid. Add 1 tablespoon butter, salt, and pepper.
• Bake the bowl covered in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes. About halfway through, remove the bowl from the oven and stir once.
• Remove the bowl from the oven, cover, and let the rice rest for 5 minutes.

Where to Buy Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is available in supermarkets along with other dry foods. It is usually sold in bags of various sizes, from 1-pound pouches to 20-pound bags. It can also be found in bulk containers and is priced by ounce. Basmati rice is more expensive than American long-grain white rice, and prices vary by quality.

For the best quality, look for basmati rice labeled long grain in a cloth package (not plastic). High-quality imported rice can often be found at international and specialty markets, or ordered online. Aged basmati rice has better texture and flavor and is white or golden in color rather than pure white.

Storage

Basmati rice can be left in its original packaging if it is sealed and stored in a cool, dark place.. For longer storage (up to one year), store in an airtight glass or plastic container. Brown basmati rice should always be stored in an airtight container and stored in the pantry for several months.

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