Cumin Basmati Rice Recipe

Cumin Basmati rice is the most common rice served as a plain rice in the restaurants

See How to cook Rice to understand the chemistry.

Equipment needed

One heavy bottom stainless steel Brazier pan with a lid. 2 quart capacity.

One heavy bottom sauté pan

Ingredients

1. Basmati rice: 1 cup

2. Presoak  water: 1½ cups

2. Water: 2 ¼ cups 
3. Salt: ¼ teaspoon
4. Ghee: 1 Tablespoon

5. Whole cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon

Method

Step 1 Wash Rinse

Wash and rinse rice to remove dirt and starchy powder. I repeat it three times.

Step 2: Presoak Rice

Presoak rice in 1½ cups plain water for 30 minutes at room temperature. Drain

Step 3: Boil water

In the Brazier pan add 2¼ Cups of water, ¼ teaspoon salt

Step 4: Sauté Cumin

While the water is boiling, in the sauté pan add Ghee and turn on heat. When the Ghee is hot, add Cumin seeds. Roast cumin seeds till they start to change color. Drain and add pre-soaked rice. Toss rice around till it is covered with oil. 

Step 5: Cooking Rice

Introduce sautéed cumin and rice to boiling water. Wait till the water comes to a boil. As soon as water comes to a boil, do three things. 

1. Turn down heat to simmer.

2. Cover the pot with the lid.

3. Start a timer for 11 minutes.

Step 6: Rest Rice

As soon as the timer expires. Do three things

1.Turn off heat.

2. Wait 10 minutes

3. Don't remove the lid.