Basmati rice: how to cook plain rice without draining it
You have always wanted to know how to cook rice without having to drain the water at the end? Today I am going to teach you a foolproof method with which you will always get soft and fluffy basmati rice cooked to perfection. This technique is called 'cooking by absorption', and consists of using the correct amounts of rice and water so that the rice grains absorb all the water. Plain rice is a perfect side dish, for example you can use it to accompany tofu skewers or some stuffed mushrooms.
Why wash rice before cooking it
It is essential that rice is ALWAYS washed before being cooked and consumed. This applies to all types of rice that are not used for risotto. Here are some reasons why you should always wash rice:
- You will be able to remove heavy metals and pollutants, as well as dirt that is deposited there.
- Reduce the presence of starch, which is the substance that gives a doughy consistency that we want to avoid at all costs.
- Doing so will also improve the taste, texture and flavour.
How to wash basmati rice
Washing basmati rice is very simple. Just follow these simple steps and equip yourself with a colander (if you have one) and a bowl.
- If you have a strainer, put the rice in it, place it on the sides of the bowl and fill the bowl with water until the rice is submerged.
- Rub and turn the rice with one hand. You will see that the water will turn white and cloudy.
- Remove the water and repeat the process until the water is almost transparent. 4/5 washes should be sufficient.
Here are all the ingredients you'll need
- Basmati rice
- Water
- Salt
Preparing basmati rice (step-by-step)
- Put the washed rice in the pot with the same amount of water (1:1) and add salt.
- Turn the heat on to maximum and bring the water to the boil. It will only take a few minutes.
- In the meantime, wrap the lid of the pan in alu/tin foil. Using foil will increase the heat and intensify absorption.
- Now turn the heat down to low and cover the pot with the lid wrapped with alu/tin foil.
- Set a timer for exactly 10 minutes. Once finished, remove the pot from the heat, stir the rice briefly and then let it rest for another 5 minutes with the lid on the pot.
- Your rice is ready!
Storage tips
You can store your plain rice in the fridge for 5 days in a kitchen tupperware.
Now that you have all the information you need to prepare this wonderful burgers, all you have to do is get to work. Have fun in the kitchen!
Plain basmati rice
Equipment
- 1 pot with lid
- 1 cup
- aluminium foil/foil
Ingredients
- 1 cup white basmati rice
- 1 cup water
- as needed salt
Instructions
- Before cooking the rice, remember to wash it under water. Take a colander and scrub the rice until the water is transparent.
- To avoid wasting water, place the colander in a bowl and fill it with water and wash the rice, changing the water 3-4 times or until the water is almost transparent.
- Put the washed rice in the pot with the same amount of water and add salt.
- Turn the heat on to maximum and bring the water to the boil. It will only take a few minutes.
- In the meantime, wrap the lid of the pan in alufoil/ tinfoil
- Now turn the heat down to low and cover the pot with the lid wrapped with alu/tin foil.
- Leave the rice on a low heat for exactly 10 minutes.
- After the 10 minutes have elapsed, take the pot off the heat, stir the rice briefly and then let it rest for another 5 minutes with the lid on the pot.
- Your rice is ready to be enjoyed!
I hope you enjoyed the recipe, see you soon!
