Authentic Indian Basmati Rice: Stovetop, Rice Cooker or Instant Pot
Get ready for the Best Indian Basmati rice! Perfect, easy way to get fluffy, easy basmati rice three ways: stove top, rice cooker or Instant Pot! Round out your favorite dish with a heaping side of warm, fragrant basmati rice!
Servings: 3 cups
Calories: 269kcal
Equipment
- 1 Pot For Stovetop method
- 1 rice cooker For rice cooker method
- 1 Instant Pot For Instant Pot method
Ingredients
- 1 cup aged basmati rice (rinsed at least 3 times) I use an aged long grain basmati rice - India Gate brand
- 1 tbsp Ghee or oil I use ghee or olive oil.
- 1 cup water* *Depends on method used, water to rice rations: Rice cooker 1:1, Stovetop 2 3/4:1 Instant Pot 1 1/4:1
- ⅓ tsp salt Adjust to your preference
Instructions
Stove top Method
- Rinse rice (3-5 times) and drain until water is not cloudy. Use a mesh strainer for an easier way to rinse until water runs clear.
- Melt ghee on medium-high in pan.
- Add rice and mix thoroughly with ghee/oil, coating grains well in it.
- Add 2.5 cups water (make sure atleast 1 inch of water above the rice) and salt. Bring to boil (about 6 minutes). Once iy comes to boil cover and cook on medium for 10 minutes. Turn off gas and let it sit covered 10 more minutes.
- You will see the rice cooked and pointing up (see post for pics). Fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy.
Rice Cooker Method
- Wash dry rice grains well until water runs clear (about 3-5 times)
- Turn on rice cooker on Cook and melt ghee
- Add rinsed and well drained rice to melted ghee in pot and mix well
- Add water (1¼:1 cups of water to rice ratio) and close the rice cooker with its lid.
- If your rice cooker has options, select white rice, or else start the cook button.
- Once cook time is over, let sit 5-7 minutes. Open lid and fluff rice before serving.
Instant Pot Method
- Wash dry rice grains well until water runs clear (about 3-5 times)
- Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot. Let it heat up 2 minutes and add ghee to melt or oil. Mover it around the pot to provide a coating and prevent sticking.
- Add washed rice, 1¼ cup water and salt. Mix well.
- Close the lid, secure the valve. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Naturally release the pressure 15 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy.
Notes
See post for more details. Summary tips below:
- Wash thoroughly – remove excess starch is important. I wash a minimum of 4-5 times or until the water runs clear
- Coat basmati grains in ghee or oil before adding water
- Look for visual cues that the rice is ready (pics in post)
- Use a good brand of aged authentic Indian basmati rice such as India Gate (this is KEY)
- If you want a softer texture, add 3-4 tbsp water more and cook 4-5 minutes longer covered.
Nutrition
Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg