Cooking Basmati Rice With An Epicure Steamer: A Quick Guide

Cooking basmati rice in an Epicure steamer is a simple and fuss-free process that yields fluffy rice every time. The key to success is using the correct rice-to-water ratio, which is typically 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. This ratio ensures that the rice absorbs all the water during cooking, resulting in tender and fluffy grains.

To cook basmati rice in an Epicure steamer, simply combine the rice and water in the steamer, top with the tray, and microwave uncovered on high for 16-18 minutes, or until tender. For enhanced flavour and texture, you can also add your favourite Epicure Broth Mix to the rice while it's cooking.

By following these simple steps and using the right rice-to-water ratio, you can easily cook delicious and fluffy basmati rice in your Epicure steamer.

Rinse the rice

Rinsing the rice is a vital step in the process of cooking basmati rice. It ensures that the rice will be fluffy and not sticky. Rinsing the rice removes the excess starch from the surface of the grains. This is important because starch is what makes rice sticky and gummy.

To rinse the rice, place it in a bowl and cover it with cold water. Wash the rice by swirling it with your hand or a spoon. Drain the water and repeat this process until the water runs clear. This may take up to 4 or 5 times. If you are cooking a large batch of rice, use a large bowl or a saucepan to rinse the rice.

After rinsing, drain the rice and allow it to air-dry for about 10 minutes. This step is especially important if you are using premium, aged basmati rice as it tends to be drier and more brittle than regular basmati rice. Soaking the rice in water before cooking helps to ensure that the grains cook evenly and do not break.

Toast with olive oil

How to Cook Basmati Rice in an Epicure Steamer

Combine 1 cup of uncooked white rice with water in the Multipurpose Steamer. Top with the tray and microwave uncovered on high for 16-18 minutes, or until tender. You can add your favourite Epicure Broth Mix to the rice while it cooks.

Making toast with olive oil is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1:

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need good-quality sliced bread (such as whole-grain, sourdough, rye, or pita,) extra virgin olive oil, and freshly ground salt.

Step 2:

Toast your bread to your desired level of doneness. If you are using a toaster, simply pop the bread in and select your preferred setting. If you are using a skillet or griddle, spread a thin layer of olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the bread and place a grill press or heavy pan on top to weigh it down, which will help make it crunchier.

Step 3:

Once your bread is toasted to perfection, it is time to add the olive oil. Drizzle or spread a generous amount of olive oil onto the toast.

Step 4:

Sprinkle freshly ground salt over the oiled toast to taste. You can also add other seasonings, such as fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, or parsley, or a pinch of paprika or chili flakes.

Step 5:

Serve the toast while it is still warm. This simple dish can be served as a side with various meals, including soups, casseroles, salads, or bolognese.

Tips and Variations:

• For a Greek-inspired twist, use Greek-style pita bread and cut it into triangular pieces before toasting.
• For a simple garlic bread, rub the cut side of a garlic clove onto the bread before toasting and then proceed with the olive oil and salt.
• If you want a more substantial snack, top your olive oil toast with smashed avocado, feta cheese, or hummus.
• For a more indulgent treat, squeeze some fresh lemon over the oiled and salted toast.

Enjoy your homemade toast with olive oil!

Add water and seasoning

When adding water and seasoning to your basmati rice, it is important to use the right amount of water. The ratio of rice to water is crucial in achieving the desired texture. For soft, fluffy, and long, fully expanded grains of basmati rice, a 1:2 ratio of rice to water is recommended. If you prefer your rice to be al dente, a 1:1.5 ratio is suggested.

The amount of water needed will also depend on the type of rice cooker or saucepan you are using. For example, if using a rice cooker, follow the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the water proportion based on the type of rice. Aged basmati rice, for instance, requires more water due to its deeper aroma and texture.

When adding water to the rice, it is important not to overfill the saucepan or rice cooker. Doing so may result in overflow during cooking. Additionally, the size of the pot matters; using a small saucepan for a large quantity of rice can lead to uneven cooking and stickier rice at the bottom.

As for seasoning, you can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour of the rice. You can also infuse your rice with whole aromatic spices such as cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, and cinnamon sticks. These spices add a subtle nutty flavour to the rice. If you want to experiment with different flavours, you can try using star anise, black cardamom, caraway seeds, or peppercorns. Just make sure to use the freshest whole spices for the most intense flavours.

It is also worth noting that you should not peek during the cooking process, as this can cause steam to escape and lead to uneven cooking.

Cook the rice

To cook basmati rice in an Epicure steamer, you'll want to follow a few key steps for optimal results. Here's a detailed guide on how to cook the rice:

Rinsing and Soaking: Start by rinsing the desired amount of raw basmati rice under cold running water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, ensuring that all excess starch is removed. This step is crucial as it helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky. For best results, soak the rice in a large bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you have the time, soaking it overnight will yield even better results. Once soaked, thoroughly drain the rice and let it air-dry for about 10 minutes.

Flavour Infusion: In a separate pan, melt some ghee (clarified butter) or butter over medium-high heat. You can also use olive oil if you prefer. Add whole spices such as cardamom, cloves, a cinnamon stick, and a bay leaf. Stir gently until the spices become fragrant, which should take about 3 minutes. Then, add the rinsed rice to the pan, making sure each grain is evenly coated with the flavoured ghee or butter. This step adds a subtle nutty flavour to the rice.

Cooking and Steaming: Now, it's time to add the rice to your Epicure steamer. Combine the rice with water in the steamer, using a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1 1/2 cups of water. Adding too much or too little water will affect the texture of the rice, so it's important to get this ratio right. Place the tray on top of the steamer and microwave on high for about 16-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave's settings and the amount of rice you're cooking.

Fluffing and Serving: Once the rice is cooked, use a fork to gently fluff it and separate the grains. You may notice that some grains are plumper than others. To fix this, let the rice rest for about 10 minutes, allowing it to absorb the water evenly. Your perfectly cooked basmati rice is now ready to be served!

Tips for Perfect Basmati Rice:

• Always use the right rice-to-water ratio. The absorption method, where the rice absorbs all the water during cooking, is crucial for achieving the desired texture.
• Rinsing and soaking the rice are important steps to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains.
• Avoid lifting the lid or peeking while the rice is cooking, as this can cause steam to escape and lead to uneven cooking.
• Let the rice rest after cooking. This allows the grains to absorb any remaining water and ensures a consistent texture throughout.
• Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Avoid using a spoon or whisk, as they can break the delicate grains.

Let rest and serve

Once you've cooked your basmati rice, it's important to let it rest before serving. This allows the grains to finish cooking, absorb any remaining water, and plump up. The resting time will depend on the amount of rice you've cooked. For example, if you've cooked 1 cup of rice, let it rest for 5 minutes. If you've cooked 2 cups, let it rest for 10 minutes.

After resting, use a fork to gently fluff the rice and separate the grains. This will ensure your rice is light, fluffy, and tender.

If you've added any whole spices like cardamom pods or bay leaves, be sure to remove them before serving.

Your basmati rice is now ready to be served! Enjoy the delicious, fluffy, and fragrant rice as a simple side dish or as a base for your favourite saucy dishes and curries.

Frequently asked questions