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Sona masoori rice on a gray plate with a white serving spoon.
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5 from 1 vote

Perfect Sona Masoori Rice (Stovetop,Instant Pot, Rice Cooker)

Get ready to learn how to make perfect, easy way to get fluffy, easy sona masoori rice three ways: stove top, rice cooker, or Instant Pot! Round out your favorite dish with a heaping side of warm, delicious rice.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword: basmati rice
Servings: 1 cup dry
Calories: 269kcal
Author: Shilpa Joshi

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
  • 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 it 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 (2¼:1 cups of water to rice ratio) and close the rice cooker with its lid.
  • If your rice cooker has options, select brown 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,2 cups water and salt. Mix well.
  • Close the lid, secure the valve. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Naturally release the pressure for 12 minutes. Then do manual release.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy.

Notes

See post for more details and timings for brown sona masoori rice.  Summary tips below:
  1. Wash thoroughly – remove excess starch is important. I wash a minimum of 4-5 times or until the water runs clear
  2. Coat basmati grains in ghee or oil before adding water
  3. Look for visual cues that the rice is ready (pics in post)
  4. Use a good brand of aged authentic rice such as India Gate (this is KEY)
  5. If you want a softer texture, add 3-4 tbsp water more and cook 4-5 minutes longer covered.
- Rice cooker used: Hamilton Beach (only cook and warm settings)
- Instant Pot used: Instant Pot Duo Plus
You can use 1/2 tbsp ghee/oil but 1 tbsp ghee/oil produces a delicious taste.
Jeera rice is a popular type of flavored basmati rice
Caloric values are rough estimates using WPRM calculator.

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