Steaming Basmati Rice: Using A Rice Cooker For Perfection

Cooking basmati rice in a rice cooker is a great way to make rice without the hassle of monitoring it. This hands-free method is perfect for when you want to serve rice alongside dishes like curries or butter chicken. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam basmati rice in a rice cooker, so you can enjoy perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time.

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

To steam basmati rice in a rice cooker, follow these steps:

• Rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. This is an important step as it ensures that the rice is free of excess starch, which can make it sticky. It also removes any dirt or impurities.
• Add the rice and water to the rice cooker. The ratio should be 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. You can also add a splash of olive oil or butter at this stage for extra flavour.
• Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. Most cookers will have a light that indicates when the unit is on.
• The rice cooker will automatically turn off when the rice is ready. Do not be tempted to remove the lid or stir the rice while it is cooking, as this can affect the cooking process.
• Once the rice is cooked, it is important to let it rest. Leave the rice in the cooker with the lid on for at least 5 minutes to allow it to finish cooking gently and absorb any excess water.
• Finally, use a rice paddle or a rubber spatula to fluff up the rice and serve.

Tips for perfect basmati rice:

• Use a heavy, tight-fitting lid on your rice cooker to prevent steam from escaping.
• Choose the right pot size. If you are cooking a large batch of rice, use a bigger pot to ensure even cooking.
• Bring the water to a boil without the lid on first. This helps to bring the water to the correct temperature before steaming the rice.
• Do not peek or lift the lid while the rice is cooking, as this can cause uneven cooking.
• Always let the rice rest after cooking. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and finish cooking.
• Use a rubber paddle or a rice paddle to fluff the rice, rather than a fork, to avoid breaking the long grains.

Rinse the rice

Rinsing the rice is an important step in the process of cooking basmati rice. It helps to remove excess starch from the surface of the grains, which can make the rice sticky and gummy. The first step is to place the rice in a bowl or a medium-sized pot and cover it with water by a few inches. Use your hands to swish the rice around gently, being careful not to break the grains. Drain the cloudy water and repeat this process 3-5 times until the water runs clear. For store-bought rice, rinsing once or twice should be sufficient, but if you bought your rice from a market and it was stored in a sack, it may need to be rinsed more thoroughly.

After rinsing, drain the rice thoroughly in a colander or fine-mesh strainer. It is important to remove as much excess water as possible, as too much water can make the rice mushy. Once the rice is well-rinsed and drained, it is ready to be cooked.

Toast the rice with olive oil

Toasting rice with olive oil is a great way to elevate the flavor and play up the nuttiness of the rice. It is not a traditional step but is a good way to amp up the flavor.

To toast the rice with olive oil, heat a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat in your cooking pot or saucepan. When the oil shimmers a bit, add the rice and toss it until it is well coated with the oil. You can also add a good pinch of kosher salt to season the rice.

If you are using a rice cooker, you can add olive oil and rice and use a wooden spoon to stir them often to toast the rice. If your rice cooker has a saute or high-heat setting, you can use that to toast the rice before adding water.

Add water and seasoning

Now that you've measured out your basmati rice and rinsed it, it's time to add the water and seasoning.

For every cup of rice, you'll need 1.5 cups of water. If you're making a larger batch, you may want to reduce the water content slightly. For example, for 2 cups of rice, instead of 4 cups of water, try using 3 3/4 cups.

Add the water to the rice cooker, along with a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil, ghee, or butter. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add cardamom pods or bay leaves for extra flavour.

Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure that all the rice is coated in oil or ghee and that the salt is evenly distributed.

Now, it's time to let your rice cooker work its magic!

Let the rice rest before serving

Letting the rice rest after cooking is an essential step in achieving the perfect consistency. The resting period allows the rice to fully absorb the remaining steam and water, resulting in a more uniform texture. Without this step, you may find that the rice is unevenly cooked, with firmer grains on top and mushier grains at the bottom.

Depending on the quantity of rice being cooked, the resting period can range from 5 to 10 minutes. For larger batches, a longer resting time of about 15 to 20 minutes is recommended to ensure that the rice is evenly cooked throughout.

During the resting period, it is important to keep the lid on the rice cooker or saucepan to trap the steam and moisture inside. This helps to create the ideal environment for the rice to finish cooking and achieve the desired fluffy texture.

If you skip the resting step and serve the rice immediately after cooking, it may result in less fluffy rice with an uneven texture. The rice may have both soggy and dry patches, detracting from the ideal consistency. Therefore, it is crucial to be patient and allow the rice to rest before serving to ensure the best results.

Frequently asked questions