Cooking Directions for Basmati Rice

Basmati rice has been grown for hundreds of years.

Basmati rice is a type of long grain rice known for its fragrance and nut-like flavor. Basmati rice originates from India, and the word in Hindi means "Queen of Fragrance."

Washing

Basmati rice tastes the best after it is thoroughly washed. Measure out a cup of basmati rice into a quart bowl and rinse rice in water. Water should run clear and not look milky or cloudy. Drain water from rice and refill bowl with fresh clean water.

Soaking

Soak the rice in water to make it tender and to speed the cooking process. Rice should be soaked for at least an hour, preferably overnight. Drain out water after soaking.

Cooking

Measure out rice with 1 1/2 cups of clean water into a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil and add salt and a tablespoon or two of butter or margarine. Pour rice into boiling water and stir gently to mix rice, salt and butter. Don't mix too hard, as it will break up the grains of rice. Reduce the heat and let rice simmer for 15 minutes or until water is soaked up by the rice.

References

• Food Reference: Basmati Rice
• Basmati: A Brief on Basmati: What is Basmati Rice