Best 3 Indian Style Basmati Rice Recipes

**Indian-Style Basmati Rice: Aromatic and Fluffy Perfection**

Basmati rice, renowned for its delicate aroma and fluffy texture, takes center stage in Indian cuisine. This versatile grain is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from rich curries to savory biryanis. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the art of cooking perfect Indian-style basmati rice, with step-by-step instructions and a collection of mouthwatering recipes to tantalize your taste buds. Discover the secrets to achieving fluffy, non-sticky rice that complements any meal, whether it's a festive occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. From the classic steamed rice to flavorful pulao and aromatic biryani, our recipes showcase the diverse culinary heritage of India. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more!

**Recipes Included:**

1. **Classic Steamed Basmati Rice:** Master the art of cooking fluffy and flavorful steamed basmati rice, the perfect canvas for your favorite curries and stews.

2. **Jeera Rice:** Embark on a culinary adventure with this aromatic rice dish infused with cumin seeds, a staple in many Indian households.

3. **Lemon Rice:** Experience the tangy and refreshing flavors of lemon rice, a South Indian delicacy that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes.

4. **Pulao:** Discover the vibrant world of pulao, a celebratory rice dish featuring colorful vegetables, fragrant spices, and nuts.

5. **Chicken Biryani:** Dive into the rich and aromatic depths of chicken biryani, a majestic dish fit for special occasions, combining tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and an array of spices.

6. **Vegetable Biryani:** Experience the vegetarian delight of vegetable biryani, a flavorful symphony of vegetables, basmati rice, and aromatic spices, perfect for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

BASMATI RICE - INDIAN STYLE

Basmati Rice - Indian Style image

Great authentic basmati rice to be served with chicken tikka masala or chicken tandoori. Don't be intimidated by the spice mix, they blend very well. If you like indian food, you'll appreciate this dish.

Provided by Cristina Barry

Categories Rice

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups basmati rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cinnamon stick (2 inch)
2 green cardamom pods
2 whole cloves
1 tablespoon cumin seed
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 1/2 cups water
1 small onion, thinly sliced

Steps:

Place rice into a bowl with enough water to cover. Set aside to soak for 20 minutes. DO NOT skip this step, its very important.
Heat the oil in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and cumin seed.
Cook and stir for about a minute, then add the onion to the pot.
Saute the onion until a rich golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Drain the water from the rice, and stir into the pot.
Cook and stir the rice for a few minutes, until lightly toasted.
Add salt and water to the pot, and bring to a boil.
Cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all of the water has been absorbed.
Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.
Remove the pods, cloves, cinnamon stick before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 219.6, Fat 6.1, SaturatedFat 0.9, Sodium 8.3, Carbohydrate 37.3, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 0.9, Protein 4

BASMATI RICE PILAF

Basmati Rice Pilaf image

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 cups basmati rice
4 cups cold water
2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed, black seeds reserved, pods discarded
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 cinnamon stick
12 black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 3 tablespoons, cut into slices, optional
1 large red onion, peeled and finely diced
Kosher salt

Steps:

To wash or not to wash rice? In the case of basmati, no matter what my preparation is, I always wash it. It cleans out any small particles and it also rids the rice of any starch on the grain. This starch makes the rice gummier when cooked.
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, add the rice and 4 cups of cold water. Soak the rice for 1/2 hour.
In a small bowl, add the cumin seeds, cardamom, fennel seeds, cinnamon, black peppercorns, and bay leaves and stir to combine. Turn the mixture out onto a baking sheet and put it in the center of the oven to lightly toast the spices and awaken the flavors, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the spices to cool.
Heat a medium saute pan over medium heat and add the butter and the onion. Season with salt and cook until the onions are translucent but not brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the spices. Drain the rice but reserve the soaking water. Stir in the rice and cook until you hear the rice crackling, about 2 minutes. Gently stir in the reserved soaking water. Season with a generous portion of salt and bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook the rice over medium-low heat, uncovered and undisturbed, for about 8 minutes. Take a fork (so as not to damage the rice) and flake a few grains off to taste for doneness. It may need to be cooked another 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the rice to "rest" (as you would a roast beef) for 10 minutes before "forking" it gently into a serving bowl. Stir in 3 tablespoons of butter, if desired, and serve.

FRAGRANT EAST INDIAN BASMATI RICE

Fragrant East Indian Basmati Rice image

Make and share this Fragrant East Indian Basmati Rice recipe from Food.com.

Provided by The Spice Guru

Categories Long Grain Rice

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon toasted cumin seed
2 cups water
1 teaspoon olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 -4 green cardamom pods (or 3/8 teaspoon ground cardamom)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
1 cup basmati rice
1 teaspoon curry powder or 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon broken cashews or 1 tablespoon peanuts
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon minced of fresh mint
1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
1/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon garam masala seasoning
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
2 -4 whole dried red chilies or 1 seeded diced green chili pepper

Steps:

TOAST 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds over medium heat in a pot you wish to cook your rice in, until seeds become aromatic and lightly pop.
ADD 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 4 whole green cardamom pods or 3/8 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/8 cup frozen peas (optional). NOTE: ADD the curry powder or turmeric from the CREATIVE ADDITIONS FOR YELLOW RICE; ADD up to 4 of the remaining suggested ingredients now as well, if desired.
RAISE heat to high.
BRING to a boil.
ADD 1 cup basmati rice.
COVER.
BOIL 1 1/2 minutes.
REDUCE heat to lowest setting for 40-45 minutes.
REMOVE cardamom pods and cinnamon stick if desired; FLUFF rice with a fork before serving.
SERVE with your favorite Indian entree and enjoy!

Tips:

Use high-quality basmati rice for the best flavor and texture.
Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any starch and impurities.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to cook the rice evenly.
Add the rice to boiling water and then reduce the heat to low, covered.
Do not stir the rice while it is cooking, as this can make it sticky.
Once the rice is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the grains to absorb the remaining moisture.
Serve the rice with your favorite Indian dishes, such as curry, biryani, or dal.

Conclusion:

Indian-style basmati rice is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of Indian dishes. It is easy to make and can be cooked in a variety of ways. With these tips, you can make perfect Indian-style basmati rice every time.