Restaurant Style Basmati Rice (Instant Pot & Stovetop)

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Learn how to make restaurant style basmati rice at home through stovetop and Instant Pot.. This recipe for restaurant style basmati rice will teach you how to make basmati rice at home either on stovetop or instant pot.

So, What is Basmati Rice?

Basmati is long grained rice traditionally grown in India and Pakistan. The roots of the word basmati are vas (aroma) and mayup (ingrained). In combination, mayup changes to mati, giving vasmati. The literal meaning of basmati is fragrant.

I love rice. I know most of my friends give me that eye when I can go on and on about my love for a bowl of steamed basmati rice, but hey! basmati rice screams home for me. I grew up eating rice and I make rice almost everyday. What not to love about basmati rice? So versatile. You can enjoy few scoops of rice with dal or some curry. Or make fried rice with the left over rice and your week’s dinner plans are sorted. I can go on and on about the usase of basmati.

However, most struggle with making THE perfect restaurant style fluffy basmati rice. In this post I have given you detailed steps on making basmati on stove top and also in insta pot.

Ingredients needed to make Basmati Rice

Have you ever wondered how to make Indian Restaurant style basmati rice at home? Fluffy and pearly white. Each bite gives you that nutty and fragrant taste. Its easier than you think it is. In this recipe, I have laid down the steps to help you the best basmati rice ever!!!

Basmati Rice -I use Laxmi Brand long grain basmati rice for daily use. But you can use any other brand available in Indian stores, cost co or other grocery stores.

Water – I use filtered water to cook my rice.

Pinch of salt – Adds flavor

How to cook basmati rice on stove top

1. Wash and rinse your rice really well till the water runs clear. It will take about 4 to 5 rinses.
2. In a deep pot, add 1 cup washed rice.
3. Add 1 and 1/2 cups of water (for basmati, the ratio is 1 cup rice to 1 and 1/2 cups water. The amount of water is everything. You add more.., the rice will be sticky. You add less,, the rice will be hard.
4. Bring the water to a boil, then turn the heat to low. Cover the pot and do not remove the lid for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time the rice will cook through and absorb all the liquid.
5. Turn the heat off but leave the rice covered and undisturbed for 5 more minutes.

How to cook basmati rice in Instat Pot

1. Wash and rinse your rice really well till the water runs clear. It will take about 4 to 5 rinses.
2. In Instant pot, add 2 cups washed rice.
3. Add 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt
4. Close the lid.
5. Place the pressure release handle (vent) in the “Sealing” position and set the timer to 6 minutes.
6. Natural release for 10 minutes. After the Instant Pot beeps, set a timer and wait for 10 minutes to let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure.

Tips & Tricks to make the no-fail basmati rice at home

• Wash basmati rice very well before cooking. Wash a few times (4 to 5) until the water runs clear. This will help remove starch from the surface of the grains. Starch is what makes cooked rice sticky and gummy, so for fluffy rice, it is important to remove the starch.
• soak the rice – If you want the restaurant style basmati rice, then soak the rice for 30 minutes prior to cooking. The soaking process allows the rice to absorb moisture and relax before cooking.
• Use the right amount of cooking liquid. The ratio of basmati rice to cooking liquid (water or broth) is 1 cup of rice to 1 ½ cups of liquid. Any more or less will affect the texture of the rice.
• Check and see if the top of the rice is cooked and looks fluffy by taking one rice and press it between your thumb and forefinger. If you are able to smoosh it and it doesn’t feel grainy, it means the rice is cooked.
• Add flavor. Season the rice well with Kosher salt. And if you like to add more flavor, try adding cardamom pods or bay leaf (this is completely optional).
• Allow the rice to rest before serving. Once the rice is fully cooked, let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. It is tempting to remove the lid and immediately serve, but I’ve found these few minutes of rest essential in cooking perfectly fluffy and tender rice

What do I serve with Basmati Rice?

Green Mango Dal

Cauliflower Dal

Aloo Tamatar ki Sabzi

Mutton Curry

Dal tadka

Tandoori Fish

Grilled Salmon

Crab masala

How to use the left over Basmati Rice?

Left over Basmati rice has so many usages. My particular favorites are:

Lemon Rice – Saute some cumin, mustard seeds with a pinch of hing in a non-stick pan with 2 tbsp. oil. Add 1/4 cup of crushed peanuts, slices green chilies. Once the mustard seeds start to sputter, add 1 cup of left over basmati rice. Add 1 tsp turmeric and salt per taste. Give it a good mix till the rice is coated with the seasonings. Cook on low heat for 5/8 minutes. Turn off the gas and add 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice and give it a good stir. Enjoy!

Vegetarian Fried Rice – Fry some chopped onion (1/2 cup), chopped garlic (1 tsp.), chopped ginger (1 tsp), chopped chilies (1 tsp) with some peanut oil in a non stick pan. Add 1 cup of peas, 1/2 cup of broccoli florets, 1/2 cup of shredded carrots. Cook on low to medium heat till the vegetables are cooked. Add salt as needed. Once the veggies are cooked, add 2 cups of left over basmati rice and give it a good mix. cover and cook for 5 minutes on low heat. Enjoy with some chili sauce.

Yogurt Rice

Rice, Beans and Chicken Soup

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