Basmati rice is a long grain and extremely aromatic rice grown in Northern India. It is one of the best varieties of rice available in the world. The name basmati is derived from the sanskrit word Vasmati which means "fragrant".

Cooking the perfect Basmati Rice is the key to having the best biryani, pulaos and fried rice. While basmati rice can be cooked in various ways but today I'm sharing the best way to make in rice cookers.

If you are a regular user of Rice Cookers, you will agree with me that while normal rice gets perfectly cooked, it's the Basmati Rice that doesn't come out well. After number of failed attempts and trying out various proportions of rice:water ratio, I have finally succeeded in getting the perfectly cooked basmati rice with grains separated. And ever since I have discovered it, I have started cooking all my biryanis in rice cooker itself which is more convenient than going through the traditional method of boiling bulk water and cooking rice to 90% and finally draining the water. Aah, life made finally easier!!!

It's pretty easy to do once you get the hang of it.



Ingredients:
Basmati Rice - 1 cup
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Water - 1.5 cups

Method:
Always go for the best quality of basmati rice. Yes they do come in various variants and all basmati are not the same, always go for the best brand.

Rinse it under running water not just 3 times as we do with regular rice, but as many times till you get a clear running water, it may take around 7-8 rounds

Add filtered/canned water to the bowl of rice about 1 inch higher and let it soak for around 10-15 minutes

Drain the water and transfer the rice in the rice cooker

Add water, now this is the most crucial step. Some rice absorbs more water while some less, but the trick of making basmati rice is for every 1 cup you need to add exactly 1.5 cups of water. If your rice quantity is more, you can still reduce 1/2 cup of water in the overall water measurement.

Add salt, 1/2 tsp for every cup of rice

Add whole spices like bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, etc (if using)

Close the lid and switch on your rice cooker, let it cook and it will get switched off on its own when it is done

Let it rest for around 30 minutes, do not open in between

After 30 minutes open the lid and fluff your rice and you will see each grain nicely cooked and separated

Your rice is ready to be eaten as it is with gravies, or use it for making biryani, pulaos or fried rice!!!