How do you cook perfect basmati rice?

[GRLMGC]

I don't wanna screw it up

[HereSince1628]

1. I follow directions on the box...

I just did that for a dish of Matar Pulav on Saturday...

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

2. Here's how

Measure your amount into a large bowl. Wash 3 times with COLD water and rinse, then soak the rice in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Then you can cook it in 3 tbsp. of oil with the appropriate amount of water. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for 12-15 minutes until the water is absorbed.

Add 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds, 4 cloves and 2 1" cinnamon sticks for a DELICIOUS rice dish!

[chefgirl]

3. Low and slow

Usually, Basmati requires long, slow cooking. Longer and slower than plain white rice.
A good rule to follow is a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. Bring it to a boil, then turn it down to a VERY low simmer and dont stir it until all the water is absorbed.

A foolproof way to cook any rice, however... and restaurants do this quite often in the interest of simplicity...is to cook the rice the same way you would cook pasta.

Fill a pot with about 4 quarts of water and some salt, add as much or as little rice as you desire. Bring it to a boil and cook until it reaches desired texture. Drain and serve. Of course, you will lose a certain amount of flavor by draining the water away, but it also eliminates the possibility of having sticky or clumpy rice. Just a little tip.

-chef-