Simple Fluffy Basmati Rice
Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of basmati rice, why it’s an absolute superstar for those like me dealing with GERD/GORD and how to make the best simple fluffy basmati rice in a rice cooker. Don’t worry, if you are missing the tools, you can still make wonderful fluffy basmati rice – just follow along with the recipe. I’ll leave some cheeky tips for you too!
The A-Maize-ing Qualities of Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a long-grain variety that originates from the Indian subcontinent. It’s known for its delicate fragrance, fluffy texture, and its incredible taste. It’s a staple food in many Asian dishes and it’s growing in popularity over the world! Here are some of its best qualities that make it a must-have addition to a GERD/GORD free diet:
- Low in Fat: Basmati rice is naturally low in fat, making it a gentle choice for sensitive stomachs.
- Gentle Grain: This glorious grain is less likely to cause inflammation and irritation in the digestive system compared to other rice varieties. It’s like a warm, comforting hug for your stomach.
- Fibre Feast: Basmati rice is a great source of fibre, which helps regulate digestion and keep things moving smoothly. No more feeling like a balloon after your meal!
The Rice Rinse: Why Washing Basmati Rice is a Must-Do!
I must admit, I never really did wash rice – besides sushi rice – before I started cooking it properly in the rice cooker. And now I feel a bit like a criminal. Don’t be like past Bean, here’s why you should always wash your basmati rice!
- Getting Rid of the Starchy Sticky Situation: By giving your basmati rice a good rinse, you’re removing excess starch from the grains, ensuring that they cook up light and fluffy, and not clumped together like a sad blob of glue.
- A Clean Start for Tummy-Friendly Rice: Washing your basmati rice isn’t just about achieving perfect texture – it’s also about giving your tummy a clean slate. During the processing and packaging of rice, it can pick up dust, debris, and other unwanted particles along the way. By giving it a good rinse, you’re removing potential irritants and making it more digestible and enjoyable for your gut.
The How-To: Rice Rinsing 101
There is in fact a technique on how to properly rinse your rice and I promise you, it does make the difference!
- Swish and Rinse: Pour your rice into the bowl or colander and place it under cold running water. Gently swish the rice with your fingers as the water runs through it. When swishing the rice be gentle to avoid breaking the grains. Keep rinsing until the water turns from cloudy to clear. Make sure all the rinsing water is drained and your rice is ready to cook! This process usually takes about two to three rinses.
- A bonus cheeky tip for people who don’t own a rice cooker yet: Soak the rice for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This will ensure the rice is nice and soft to the core once it’s cooked!
The Perfect rice=water ratio
This is something I learned from trial and error. Every rice cooker is different and every rice is also particular to its nature! But generally, aged, long-grain basmati rice needs more liquid than other types of rice. You want it to be firm, each kernel separate, but soft enough to break easily between your fingers.
So you’ll need about 1 3/4 cups of water per 1 cup of rice. If it comes out a bit too crunchy, you can do a ratio of 2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice. Keep in mind that 1 cup of basmati rice is about 190gr. Make sure you do your math before start cooking!
I know it’s a lot, but if you make all these little adjustments – your simple fluffy Basmari rice will be just perfect! And now, onto the recipe:
Simple Fluffy Basmati Rice
Equipment
- 1 Rice cooker
- 1 Fine sieve or colander
- 1 Silicon or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups Regular Basmati rice your rice cooker should come with a measuring cup but if it doesn't the weight in grams is 390.
- 3½ cups Fresh cold water
- splash Extra virgin olive oil or any other oil of your choice – optional
Instructions
- Measure your rice and carefully wash it with fresh water until it's lost most or all of its starch.If you're cooking your Basmati rice on the hob – soak the rice for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Add the clean rice to the rice cooker, a little oil and the fresh water according to the ratio of 1 cup of rice = 1¾ of water. The oil just gives it a bit of a nicer texture and avoid the grains from sticking together even more.
- Switch on your rice cooker and cook for 15-20 minutes. If it needs a little more time, switch off your rice cooker and let the rice steam for about 5 minutes.If you're on the hob – cook on high for 15 minutes and leave to stand on the side for 5 minutes with the lid on, once the 15 minutes are up. Do a little taste test and give it a bit more "steaming" if necessary.
- Your perfectly fluffy basmati rice is ready to enjoy!Store in the fridge and consume within 3 days – to reheat to the original fluffy texture, add a tablespoon of water to your portioned rice and microwave for a couple of minutes.
Cheeky Tips
Try more easy gluten-free dishes by The Cheeky Green Bean.
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For extra fluffiness add a bit of butter or a vegetable alternative.
