Ingredients

• 315 g (11 oz / 1 ⅔ cups) basmati rice
• 1½ teaspoon vegetable oil (or olive oil, or a mix of oil and butter)
• 2 cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
• 3 cm (1-inch) piece of cinnamon stick (optional)
• 350 g (12 fl oz / ¾ pint / 1½ cups) water

Instructions

1. Weigh and Rinse the Rice: Begin by weighing out 315 grams of basmati rice using a digital scale. Once you have your rice, rinse it in a bowl of cold water until the water runs clear to remove any impurities and excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect fluffy texture. After rinsing, let it soak in enough cold water for about 30 minutes, then drain using a sieve.
2. Prepare the Spices: In your saucepan, gently heat 1½ teaspoons of oil over medium heat. Add the 2 cloves and, if you’re using them, any additional spices like a piece of cinnamon stick. Allow the spices to blossom in the oil for about a minute, releasing their delicious fragrances into the air.
3. Add Rice and Water: Once fragrant, add the drained rice to the saucepan, sprinkling in a little salt while you stir to coat the grains in the spiced oil. Next, measure out exactly 350 grams of water and pour it into the pan. Stir to ensure no grains are sticking to the bottom. Raise the heat slightly, bringing the mixture to a boil for about a minute.
4. Cook the Rice: After bringing it to a boil, immediately cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to very low. This will allow the rice to cook evenly without burning. Let it steam for just 11 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid as this will release the steam and alter the cooking process.
5. Fluff and Rest: Once the 11 minutes are up, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the pan sit undisturbed for an additional 2 minutes. This resting time is essential as it helps the rice to settle and prevents it from sticking to the pan. When you’re ready, lift the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. The grains should be perfectly cooked and wonderfully aromatic!

Is Basmati Long-Grain Rice Gluten-Free?

Yes, absolutely! All natural rice varieties, including basmati, are naturally gluten-free. There are various types of rice, mainly long-grain and short-grain. Long-grain rice such as basmati is light and fluffy, making it an excellent side for savory dishes. On the other hand, short-grain rice tends to clump together, which is great for specific dishes but not ideal for fluffy rice recipes like this one.

The Perfect Water-to-Rice Ratio

The general rule for cooking basmati rice is to use a water-to-rice ratio of about 1.2:1, which means for every cup of rice (approximately 150 grams), you should use around 1.2 cups of water (or 300 grams). For this recipe, we are using 315 grams of basmati rice, thus adding exactly 350 grams of water. Precision here is key to achieving that light, fluffy texture we all love.

Why Is Cooking Basmati Rice at Home Better?

Cooking your basmati rice from scratch not only enhances the flavor but ensures you are consuming a healthier option than pre-cooked or express rice. Pre-packaged rice is treated to reduce cooking time, leading to flavor loss and a potential rapid sugar spike in your system. Not to mention, homemade basmati rice is a blank canvas; you can enhance it with spices and flavors according to your taste, giving you complete control over your meal.

Serving Suggestions

This fragrant basmati rice is perfect for pairing with various dishes! While it’s a classic accompaniment to Indian curries, it’s also a wonderful pairing with many other cuisines. Consider using it alongside roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even European dishes where you may want a light and fluffy side. Decorate the serving bowl with fresh herbs like parsley for an extra pop of color.