Cooking rice, or at least cooking it well, is a method that eludes many people. Until earlier this year, that included me. Undercooked and crunchy, overcooked and mushy, flavorless, mealy — all these words have described my rice at one point or another. It became such a frustration that I gave up cooking it altogether; replacing it with whatever else seemed appropriate for the recipe.
When I planned a biryani for us several months ago — a dish he’d never tasted before and one in which rice is integral — I knew I couldn’t get away with a substitute. I had to overcome my fear. And I would start with a 15-pound burlap sack of Basmati rice.
It was a revelation. I discovered a method to cook our beloved fragrant, delicate Basmati rice perfectly. Okay fine, it’s the recipe that comes with the bag, but I promise you it’s foolproof.
Time after time after time after time this rice is it — the perfect example of what rice should be. The grains are fluffy, tender and separate. Say goodbye to giant pot-shaped blobs of rice! (Not that I ever did that?)
And finally, if that wasn’t enough, this recipe can be cooked, and cooked well, by a person with a compression fracture in her (or his) elbow. So no excuses now! You really must try this.
Perfect Basmati Rice [makes 3 c cooked rice]
One particular favorite version of perfect Basmati is to add fresh grated ginger and minced cilantro; another is to add unsweetened coconut flakes. It also makes for killer fried rice and biryanis
1 c Basmati rice
1 ½ c water
1 T olive oil or butter
a pinch of salt
Rinse measured rice in a fine strainer for about 1 minute, or until water is clear (to remove extra starch). Drain well.
In a saucepan, add drained rice, water, oil or butter, and salt. Place saucepan (uncovered) over high heat and bring to a boil, stir occasionally.
Let water reduce slightly below the rice level and the lower the heat to the very low.
Place a tight lid on the saucepan and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve. (There will be some crusty pieces stuck to the bottom, but that’s the best part — definitely get those off and serve as well!)
Adapted from Kusha Rice
squirrel bread 
YAY! I also have found a foolproof way to cook rice, but I must try this…I love rice, its probably my fave thing in the food world…xoxo
Ohhh nice. I’m so glad you figured this out!
I think I’ve been additing too much water to my rice.
I have had a bag of basmati rice in my pantry for a couple of months now; I got it with great expectations, then chickened out. Inspired now, I will be making it, knowing that the path I follow is foolproof!
i want to use a rice cooker, any thoughts?