Step 1

Take the basmati rice in a bowl.

Step 2

Begin to rinse the rice grains in running water. Rinse the rice with a gentle swirling of your fingers in the bowl.

Step 3

The rice has to be rinsed till the water becomes clear, transparent and without starch.

Step 4

Then soak the rice in ¾ to 1 cup water for 30 minutes.

Step 5

After 30 minutes, strain the rice very well of all the water and set aside.

Step 6

In a deep bottomed pan, add 2 cups water. Use a wide deep pan so that the water does not spill out while cooking.

Step 7

Add oil. You can also use butter or ghee. This step of adding oil is optional and you can just skip it too. Also add salt.

Step 8

On a medium heat, let the water come to a boil. Then add the rice.

Step 9

Once all the rice grains are added, you can gently shake the pan, so that the rice grains settle down. Or alternatively, you can also give a gentle stir with a fork.

Step 10

Cover the pan with its lid.

Step 11

Lower the heat and cook the rice till done and all the water has been absorbed. It took me 8 minutes for the rice to be tender, soft and fluffy. You can check once or twice while the rice is cooking.If the grains do not look cooked and the water has got over, then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of hot water. Stir gently with a fork without breaking the rice grains.

Step 12

To check the doneness, press a cooked rice grain with your thumb and forefinger. It should be soft and mash easily. Or you can eat a few rice grains. It there is resistance in the bite, this means the grains need to be cooked for some more time.

Step 13

Allow a standing time of 5 minutes, before you open the lid. Then gently fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 14

Serve these perfectly cooked rice grains with your favorite curry or gravy.