How to cook basmati rice without soaking

What you need

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1.5 to 2 cups water
• Pinch of salt
• Heavy-bottomed pot with lid
• Rinse bowl or sieve

Steps

1. Measure 1 cup of basmati rice into a bowl or sieve. Rinse it under cold running water for about 30 seconds until the water runs mostly clear.

2. Drain the rice well and shake off excess water. Skipping the soak is fine, but rinsing removes surface starch that makes grains sticky.

3. Add the rice to a heavy pot with 1.5 cups water and a pinch of salt. Use 2 cups water if you like softer rice.

4. Bring to a boil over high heat with the lid off. Watch it so it does not boil over.

5. Turn the heat to low, put the lid on and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Do not stir during cooking.

6. Check a grain by pressing it between your fingers. It should be tender with a slight bite and no hard centre.

7. Take the pot off the heat and leave it covered for 5 minutes. This lets the steam finish the rice.

8. Fluff gently with a fork and serve.

Tips and common mistakes

Questions

Do I really need to soak basmati rice?

No. Rinsing and cooking with the right water ratio gives good results without soaking. Soaking can make grains longer but is not required.

Why is my basmati rice sticking together?

Too much water, stirring during cooking or not rinsing the starch off can all cause clumping. Rinse well and leave the rice undisturbed while it simmers.

Can I cook basmati rice in a rice cooker instead?

Yes. Use the same rinsed rice and a 1:1.5 ratio, then run the standard white rice setting.

This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.