indian style basmati rice recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
indian style basmati rice recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best indian style basmati rice recipe

I’m excited to share with you my favorite Indian-style basmati rice recipe. This classic dish is a staple in many Indian households and for good reason – it’s incredibly flavorful and pairs well with a variety of spices and ingredients.

The key to making great basmati rice is to use the right type of rice, which should be long-grain and aromatic. I like to use a combination of basmati and jasmine rice for added fragrance and texture.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make – simply soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then cook it in a pot with some oil, salt, and spices. The result is a perfectly cooked rice that’s fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

My family loves this recipe because it’s so versatile – we can serve it with a variety of curries, stews, or even as a side dish on its own. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables or meat.

In terms of health benefits, basmati rice is relatively low on the glycemic index, making it a good choice for those watching their blood sugar levels. Plus, the aromatic spices used in this recipe have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

I’ve made this recipe countless times and it never fails to impress – my kids love helping me in the kitchen and learning about different cultures through food. Whether you’re serving this at a family gathering or just want a delicious side dish for your weekly dinner rotation, Indian-style basmati rice is sure to become a favorite.

Indian Style Basmati Rice

Indian Style Basmati Rice

4.6 from 1130 votes

Indian Style Basmati Rice is a fragrant and flavorful dish cooked with whole spices and basmati rice. This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice

2 cups basmati rice
4 cups water
2 tbsp ghee
1 tsp salt
1 bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick
2 cardamom pods
2 cloves
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp ginger, grated
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
2This step helps to remove excess starch and improves the texture of the cooked rice.
3Allow the rice to soak in water for 15 minutes.
4This will help the rice cook evenly and become fluffy.
5While the rice is soaking, heat the ghee in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
6Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and cumin seeds.
7Fry until the spices are fragrant and the cumin seeds start to sizzle and change color slightly.
8This should take about 1 minute.
9Add the chopped onion to the saucepan and saute until the onions are translucent and lightly golden.
10This should take approximately 3-5 minutes.
11Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
12Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the saucepan and saute for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
13The mixture will become fragrant and the raw smell of garlic and ginger will dissipate.
14Drain the soaked rice and add it to the saucepan.
15Stir well to coat the rice with the spice mixture.
16Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
17The rice will begin to absorb the flavors of the spices and become slightly translucent.
18Add the water, salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder to the saucepan.
19Stir well to combine.
20Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
21Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
22The rice is done when it has absorbed all the water and is tender.
23Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking.
24Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
25This step allows the rice to steam and become even more tender and fluffy.
26After 10 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
27The rice should be light and fluffy, with each grain separate and distinct.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan with lid
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili powder. For a more aromatic rice, you can also add a pinch of saffron to the water before cooking.

Watch Video Of How Indian Style Basmati Rice Works

This Indian-style basmati rice recipe is always a crowd-pleaser – whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just want a delicious side dish for your weekly dinner rotation.

It’s incredibly easy to make and pairs well with a variety of spices and ingredients.

Plus, it’s relatively low on the glycemic index and contains anti-inflammatory properties from the aromatic spices used in this recipe.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Style Basmati Rice

Q: What type of rice should I use for this recipe?

In order to make authentic Indian-style basmati rice, you’ll want to use long-grain basmati rice that’s specifically labeled as ‘aromatic.’ This type of rice has a higher starch content than other types of rice, which makes it perfect for absorbing all the flavors from the spices and oil.

Q: How do I soak the rice properly?

Soaking the rice in water for 30 minutes will help it cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming mushy. Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before soaking it to remove any impurities or excess starch.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply soak the rice as instructed, then transfer it to the slow cooker with some oil, salt, and spices. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the rice is tender.

Q: What are some good variations on this recipe?

You can add different spices or herbs to give this recipe your own unique twist. Some ideas include adding cumin seeds or coriander powder for extra flavor, or using saffron threads for an authentic Indian touch.

Q: Can I reheat leftover basmati rice?

Yes, you can reheat leftover basmati rice – just be sure to add some extra water or broth to prevent it from becoming dry and sticky.

Similar Posts