Steaming Basmati Rice: The Perfect Oven Method

Cooking basmati rice in a steam oven is a great way to ensure even heat distribution and achieve the perfect texture for your rice. The controlled temperature of the oven helps to cook the rice evenly, resulting in fluffy, separate grains. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:

- Preheat your steam oven to 350°F (175°C) or 375°F (190°C).

- Rinse the desired amount of basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky.

- Combine the rinsed rice with water, salt, and any desired herbs or spices in an oven-safe dish with a tight-fitting lid.

- Gently stir the ingredients to distribute the salt and spices evenly.

- Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes.

- After the set time, remove the dish from the oven and let it stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the steam to distribute evenly, ensuring perfectly cooked rice.

- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Your aromatic and fluffy basmati rice is now ready to be served!

Rice-to-water ratio: 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water

Preparation

If you bought your rice from a street market or similar, it is recommended that you rinse the rice with cold water several times until the water runs clear. This will remove any impurities and excess starch, which can make the rice sticky. If your rice is from a sealed packet, this step is not necessary.

Cooking the Rice

Place the rice and water in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil or butter, if desired, for extra flavour. Bring the water to a boil, without the lid on.

Once the water is bubbling gently and getting foamy, turn the heat down to medium-low and cover with a lid. Leave to cook for 12-15 minutes. Do not lift the lid or stir the rice while it is cooking, as this will release steam and affect the cooking process.

Resting the Rice

When the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the stove and let it stand, still covered, for 5-10 minutes. This is an essential step, as it allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any residual water.

Serving the Rice

Finally, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a rice paddle, rubber spatula, or fork. Your fluffy basmati rice is now ready to serve!

Rinsing the rice: remove starch to prevent stickiness

Rinsing rice is an important step in the cooking process as it removes debris and dust, as well as any remaining insects, stones, or husks. However, the key reason for rinsing rice is to remove the surface starch, which is what makes rice sticky and gummy.

The starch on the surface of rice grains is called amylose, and it is produced during the milling process. By rinsing rice, you can achieve the desired fluffy texture, where the grains are individually defined, which is typical in most Asian cuisines, as well as in Latin American and Middle Eastern cooking.

To rinse rice, you can use a bowl, a strainer, or a rice cooker insert. The method is not as important as simply ensuring that you do it. Fill your chosen vessel with cold water and rice, and use your hands to swish the rice around. The water will become cloudy, and you will need to carefully drain it and repeat the process until the water is nearly clear. For white rice, this usually takes around one to two minutes, whereas for brown rice, it should take around 30 seconds.

It is important to note that for certain dishes, such as risotto, paella, and rice pudding, you may want to skip the rinsing step as the starch is necessary to achieve the desired sticky and creamy texture.

Rice cooker method: cover and select the normal setting

Using a rice cooker is a foolproof way to cook basmati rice, and it only takes a few simple steps. First, prepare your rice cooker by ensuring that you have reviewed its safety instructions. Then, put the rice into the rice cooker. You can season the rice with kosher salt and add some extra virgin olive oil and water. Stir the ingredients together.

Next, cover the rice cooker securely with its lid. If your rice cooker has multiple settings, select the normal, regular, or sushi setting and turn it on. When the rice is ready, let it sit in the rice cooker for a few minutes before fluffing and serving.

The rice cooker method is a convenient way to prepare basmati rice, as it requires minimal effort and produces consistent results. By following the correct ingredient ratios and cooking times, you can achieve perfectly cooked rice every time.

Instant Pot instructions: high pressure for 6 mins, then 10 mins natural release

Here's a step-by-step guide for cooking basmati rice using the Instant Pot instructions: high pressure for 6 minutes, then 10 minutes natural release.

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

First, rinse the rice well before placing it in the Instant Pot. Rinsing the rice will help remove any dirt and excess starch. Although this step is optional, it will ensure that your rice is fluffy and not sticky.

Step 2: Add Water and Seal the Instant Pot

Next, pour 1 cup of water over the rinsed rice. Place the lid on top of the Instant Pot and ensure that the venting knob is sealed.

Step 3: Cook the Rice on High Pressure

Set the Instant Pot to cook at high pressure for 6 minutes. Depending on your Instant Pot model, you may need to press the "pressure cook" button and then use the "+" or "-" buttons to adjust the time to 6 minutes.

Step 4: Natural Release for 10 Minutes

Once the 6 minutes of high pressure cooking are complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This means that you don't need to do anything; the Instant Pot will automatically begin cooling down and slowly releasing pressure.

Step 5: Quick Release any Remaining Pressure

After the 10 minutes of natural release, you may need to manually release any remaining pressure by turning the pressure release valve to the "venting" position. Use caution during this step, as hot steam will be released. It is recommended to use a pot holder or silicone glove to protect your hand and keep your face and hands away from the steam release valve.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve the Rice

Once all the pressure has been released, it is safe to open the Instant Pot. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve. Enjoy your perfectly cooked basmati rice!

Oven-baked method: bake at 375°F for 20 mins, then rest for 5 mins

The oven method is a great way to cook basmati rice, offering even heat distribution, hands-off cooking, flavour infusion and a perfect texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving fluffy, aromatic basmati rice using this method:

Step 1: Prepare the rice

Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step is important as it removes excess starch, ensuring the rice doesn't become sticky. Leave the rice to drain in a colander for a few minutes.

Step 2: Combine ingredients

In an oven-safe dish with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rinsed rice, 1 and 1/2 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and any herbs or spices you wish to add. Gently stir the ingredients to distribute the salt evenly.

Step 3: Bake the rice

Cover the dish and place it in the oven at 375°F. Let it cook undisturbed for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Let it rest

After 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and let it stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the steam to distribute evenly, ensuring perfectly cooked rice.

Step 5: Fluff and serve

Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Your basmati rice is now ready to be served!

Tips and Variations:

• To add extra flavour, toast the rice in butter or oil before adding water.
• For coconut rice, substitute half the water with coconut milk.
• For spiced rice, add whole spices like cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks or star anise.
• For herbed rice, add fresh herbs like cilantro, mint or dill.

Troubleshooting:

• If your rice is still a little wet or sticky, try reducing the amount of water slightly next time.
• Remember not to lift the lid or stir the rice during the cooking process, as this can affect the even distribution of steam.

By following these steps, you can achieve fluffy, flavourful and aromatic basmati rice every time!

Frequently asked questions