Cooking Perfect Rice with Absorption Method gives us fluffy rice where each grain is separate . This is one of the easiest methods of cooking rice on a stove top .
For the very first week of this Biryani , Pulao Khichadi Festival I shall be sharing the different methods of cooking rice . These will be nothing fancy , just basic cooking methods . I am sure you guys would be wondering as to – how can anyone get away with basic recipes for Mega Marathon ! Well truly speaking I felt these basic recipes are very important , but wait, I am not going to disappoint you . I shall serve this Rice with some curry’s and sides , which will be new recipes. Of course those shall follow later. I have a introduction post where you could check my themes for the coming weeks .Day 1 Basmati Rice cooked with Absorption Method.
Basmati Rice is a type of long grain rice . This is one of the most popular rice used in Indian and Pakistani kitchens . The rice has a nutty flavor and a subtle aroma and if cooked correctly each rice grain is long and separate .
There are different methods to cook rice , each method giving us different results . With our theme Biryani , Pulao and Khichadi Festival let us first learn how to cook rice .
Before we go to any method we must learn the basics of cooking rice .
Washing Rice
Rice needs to be washed well , till we see crystal clear water . We should lightly scrub the rice with palms and gently wash , so that the grains remain intact and do not break . The theory goes that rinsing before cooking rice removes excess surface starch and so produces a whiter, cleaner-tasting dish. With long-grain rice this makes the final product more separate and less sticky.
Soaking Rice
Soaking rice is the second step for making rice . Frankly speaking if I am short on time I do not soak the rice , but in general if rice is soaked for about 30 minutes it definitely gives you a fluffier texture and a better colour. Soaked rice turns out to be whiter than the non soaked ones . But here is a tip to make rice white in either case . Add a few , mind you , just a few drops of lemon and you shall get that sparkling white rice !
Absorption Method
Absorption method is the best method to cook basmati rice . One measure of rice and two measures of water is the standard measurement . However it varies with organic , or brown basmati rice where you might require more water . It might vary with the heat of the gas too.
Once the water comes to a boil , salt and ghee are added , though the fat is optional . It helps the rice to separate and prevents them from sticking . It also gives them a wonderful flavour . In about 15 minutes the rice absorbs all water and now is the time to simmer the gas and use a griddle to make the heat even milder . Also the griddle helps in distributing even heat to the pot . A heavy mortar is placed as it serves the purpose of Dum to the rice and helps in cooking the rice right through . After a Dum of 5-7 minutes one can remove a grain and check with your thumb and forefinger . If you feel the rice has not cooked right through , sprinkle some water and let simmer for a few minutes . Once done fluff up the rice with a fork .
There is yet another method to cook rice with the absorption method . After following the basics of rinsing and soaking the rice we have to heat ghee or oil in a pan and roast the drained rice for 2-3 minutes and then add water in the 1:2 ratio . Rest of the method is same .
The absorption method gives us fluffy rice which are packed with flavor . One cup of raw basmati rice swells up and gives us 3 cups of cooked flavourful rice . These can be enjoyed with various curries or lentils .
One can make a variety of pulaos using this method of cooking. Alternatively you could cook the rice first and temper it with cumin , different spices or saffron.I simply added some dissolved saffron in the hot rice , which tasted heavenly with Banarasi Dum Aaloo , Arbi Masala and Bharwan Laal Mirch .
How to cook Perfect Basmati Rice with Absorption Method
Ingredients
1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp clarified butter / oil
Method
Wash the rice five to six times , till the water is clear .
Soak the rice in clean water for 30 minutes .
Add 2 cups water to a pan and let it come to a rolling boil .
Add salt , clarified butter and the washed rice .
Let the rice cook on full flame till almost all the water is absorbed .
Remove the rice pot and place a cast iron griddleon the gas . The flame should be on minimum heat .
Place back the rice pot , cover with a lid .
Place a heavy weight on it .
Switch off the gas after 5-7 minutes .
The rice should be done .
Check by pressing a rice grain with your fore finger and thumb .
However if you feel the rice is hard , add a few tsps of water and cook for a few minutes .
Fluff it with a fork .
Here are some rice which has been cooked by the Absorption Method
How to cook Perfect Basmati Rice with Absorption Method
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp clarified butter / oil
Instructions
- Wash the rice five to six times , till the water is clear .
- Soak the rice in clean water for 30 minutes .
- Add 2 cups water to a pan and let it come to a rolling boil .
- Add salt , clarified butter and the washed rice .
- Let the rice cook on full flame till almost all the water is absorbed .
- Remove the rice pot and place a cast iron griddleon the gas . The flame should be on minimum heat .
- Place back the rice pot , cover with a lid .
- Place a heavy weight on it .
- Switch off the gas after 5-7 minutes .
- The rice should be done .
- Check by pressing a rice grain with your fore finger and thumb .
- However if you feel the rice is hard , add a few tsps of water and cook for a few minutes .
- Fluff it with a fork .
Those are some useful tips for beginners. Looking forward to your posts to learn some new things.
I used to struggle a lot while using Basmati, and always end up with mushy rice. This is a wonderful post for all those beginners who are struggling like me. That platter looks fantastic Vaishali. Looking forward to all your informative posts this week.
Vaishali nobody can beat at presentation. Even the basic and simple dish is presented so beautifully. Love this series and I am sure it will be so useful. Can you please mention what you have served it with so that you can update the link later and will be useful for all too
Thanks Valli ! I have already mentioned it .
Lovely picture. Love the process of making perfect basmathi. Well explained.
Much needed one.. Im looking forward for this methods.. At times i miss the perfect consistency ,which is much needed when cooking biryani or pulao..
This series will be such a treasure trove for beginners and intermediate cooks like me. I have’nt tried cooking basmati with this method before. Will do it for my next biryani. The rice looks perfect with each grain separate from the other. Such pretty pics even for white rice!! Hats off to you Vaishali.
It is a basic post but I agree that this is a very important post with all the tips for the beginners and some for experts as well. Fantastic presentation as well. Looking forward to all the gems in this series.
I love the way you present your dish.. that why i m your fan… Love you.
Same process i’m follow for cooking rice.
Much needed tips for people like me. I always use pressure cooker or instant pot for cooking rice. It’s been ages since I cooked rice directly on stove-top. Looking forward to all your tips and tricks Vaishali.
so many many handy tips coming our way ! I prefer pressure cooker normally but this is so interesting with that weight on top !
So many useful tips, thank you for sharing this! Love the way you explained how to cook the rice!
Yes basic recipe are definetly needed and you have made a great start. Awesome tips shared too.
You are right Vaishali, the basic recipes are very important. If the basics are right the final outcome is going to be gorgeous. Loved the detailed recipe.
I was just imagining you explaining the process. :). Lovely clicks Vaishali.