Description
Ina Garten’s steamed basmati rice recipe offers a simple, elegant approach to preparing fragrant rice. Precise measurements and careful technique ensure perfectly fluffy grains that complement many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes you will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups (360 ml) white long-grain basmati rice, such as Rice Select
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, merge water, basmati rice, unsalted butter, and salt, creating a harmonious base for perfectly steamed rice.
- Initiate Boiling: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring intermittently to prevent rice from adhering to the bottom, and allow the mixture to escalate into a robust boil.
- Reduce and Cover: Lower the heat to its minimal setting, seal the saucepan with a snug lid to capture essential steam, and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 10 minutes.
- Rest and Absorb: After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat, maintaining the lid’s seal to enable residual steam to complete the cooking process and allow rice to rest for 3-5 minutes.
- Fluff and Serve: Delicately separate the rice grains with a fork, creating a light, airy texture, and transfer the steamed basmati to a serving dish while still piping hot.
Notes
- Prevent Sticking: Stir rice occasionally during initial boiling to stop grains from clumping or burning at the bottom of the saucepan.
- Master Tight Lid Technique: Use a well-fitting lid to trap steam, which is crucial for achieving evenly cooked, fluffy rice with perfect moisture.
- Resist Lid Temptation: Never lift the lid during cooking process to maintain consistent heat and steam, ensuring uniform rice texture.
- Rest for Perfection: Allowing rice to sit covered after cooking enables final moisture absorption and creates a light, pillowy consistency that elevates the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg