The best thing about cooking with a rice cooker, as opposed to other methods such as boiling water on the stovetop or microwaving, is that it’s so much more hands-off. Once the pot has been set up properly (which we’ll get into), there really isn’t anything left but waiting patiently until your dish comes out delicious and ready to eat.
If you’re looking for the perfect way to cook your rice, this article is just what you need. It will tell how to cook basmati rice in the healthiest rice cooker and it’s pretty simple. All that needs done is following these simple instructions… So, keep reading!
Making great tasting basmati rice is as easy as 1-2-3. All you need are three ingredients, and a pot or pan but it takes some thought and effort on our part. The idea is to make preparing basmati rice effortless and hassle-free so you could focus on other recipes that need attention while cooking multiple dishes for family gatherings.
If you are considering investing in a rice cooker, this recipe will make sure know how comfortable cooking with a rice cooker can be.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Basmati rice
- Water
- Oil (Optional)
- Salt to taste
Rice to Water Ratio
Rice to water ratio depends on the type of rice you are cooking especially whether the rice is aged or newly harvested. If you have aged Basmati rice from India or Pakistan, you will need two cups of water for every one cup of rice. For American brand, or newly harvested Basmati rice, you should reduce the water ratio to 1.75 cups for every 1 cup of rice.
Rinse of Not?
Not necessary but if you are cooking aged Basmati rice, it is a good idea since aged rice become excessively starchy. While making just 1 cup of rice, rinsing will not make a difference however, if you are cooking multiple cups of rice, starch can really add up so rinsing is highly recommended in such case.
Cooking Basmati rice in rice cooker
- Add 1 cup rice into the rice cooker inner pot after rinsing and draining well.
- Add water 2.5 cups of water if you are using Indian or Pakistani Aged Basmati rice. In case of American brand, 2 cups water would be just fine.
- Add oil if required, salt to taste, stir the mixture and close the lid.
- Choose normal setting for Basmati rice and Brown rice setting for brown rice and press START!
- Once cooked, remove rice carefully from cooker so that it doesn’t get mushy at the bottom. Fluff the rice with a spatula / paddle.
- Dish out and serve!
Which rice cooker is the best for Basmati rice?
There are tons of entry level and advanced rice cookers in the market and most of them are perfect for making basmati rice. However, depending upon your budget, cooking needs and other preferences, you can check out our guide to Budget rice cookers, Most expensive rice cooker, the Aroma rice cooker market leader Zojirushi rice cooker, and Cuckoo rice cookers. If you prefer ceramic pots, check out ceramic rice cookers. In case you are one of those health-conscious folks, these healthiest rice cookers may help.
Benefits of Basmati Rice
Basmati is an aromatic long grain rice from India and Pakistan that goes well with many dishes and has a delicate flavor that makes it perfect for pairing with curry. The first time I tried Basmati was at one of our local Indian restaurants in town, where they serve the dish on top of the white fluffy grains as opposed to brown rice which can be more bitter and nuttier in flavor than some people like.
Here are some of the benefits of Basmati rice:
- Low in fat, so if you are trying to lose some weight, Basmati rice is great for you.
- No cholesterol which means no heart problems.
- Low sodium means Basmati rice will maintain your blood pressure.
- Ideal for diabetics because of low in sugar.
Final Thoughts
Preparing Basmati rice the traditional way is as easy as cooking with a rice cooker but since rice cooker offer more automated process and give you ease of attending to other tasks while cooking, which makes the cooking more pleasant and comfortable. Let us know how your rice turned out in a rice cooker? Which model do you use? We would love to have your thoughts and input on the matter!
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