4 Ways to Cook Basmati Rice
A comparison of 4 different methods of cooking basmati rice on the stovetop.
Prep Time2 minutes mins
Cook Time12 minutes mins
Total Time14 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: basmati rice
Servings: 6
Calories: 136kcal
Author: Puja
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1 tbsp ghee (or oil)
- 3 black peppercorns (optional)
- 2 pods cardamom (optional)
- 2 cloves (optional)
Method 1: No-Soak Rice
Start by rinsing the rice until the water runs clear.
Add double the amount of water as rice to a pot. Add a dollop of ghee or oil and fragrant spices of your choice.
Heat the water over a medium-high flame with the lid off. When the water starts to boil, reduce the flame to low and add a lid. Simmer for 12 minutes.
Transfer the rice to a plate and fluff with a fork.
Method 2: Soaked rice
After rinsing the rice, add at least double the amount of water as rice to the pot. Leave it to sit for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, pour out the water and fill with double the amount of water as rice. Add a dollop of ghee or oil and fragrant spices of your choice.
Heat the water over a medium-high flame with the lid off. When the water starts to boil, reduce the flame to low and add a lid. Simmer for 12 minutes.
Transfer the rice to a plate and fluff with a fork.
Method 3: Sauteed Rice
Heat a pan over medium high heat. Add ghee. Add rinsed rice to the pan. Saute the rice until golden and fragrant.
Add double the amount of water as rice to a pot. Add a dollop of ghee or oil and fragrant spices of your choice.
Heat the water over a medium-high flame with the lid off. When the water starts to boil, reduce the flame to low and add a lid. Simmer for 12 minutes.
Transfer the rice to a plate and fluff with a fork.
Method 4: Boiled Rice
Heat oil or ghee in your pan. Add in the fragrant spices of your choice. Allow them to sizzle in the hot oil.
Add 4 times the amount of water as you will be making rice. Bring the water to a boil.
Add the rice and cook for 8 minutes.
Use a mesh strainer to drain the water from the rice. Fluff and serve.
Calories: 136kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.04g | Vitamin A: 0.4IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.3mg