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Ina Garten Steamed Basmati Rice Recipe

Ina Garten Steamed Basmati Rice Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s steamed basmati rice elevates simple grains into a delicate culinary experience. Rice becomes a fragrant, fluffy companion that partners perfectly with Mediterranean and Indian dishes you’ll savor down to the last delicious grain.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups white long-grain basmati rice, such as Rice Select

Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Fat/Binding Ingredient:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare a medium-sized saucepan and add the water (600 milliliters or 2½ cups), rice (275 grams or 1½ cups), unsalted butter (15 grams), and salt ().
  2. Position the saucepan on medium heat, allowing the mixture to gradually warm and transition into a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to its lowest setting and carefully cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
  4. Allow the rice to gently simmer for precisely 10 minutes, maintaining a consistent low temperature without lifting the lid.
  5. After 10 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat source completely, keeping the lid sealed to permit residual steam to finish cooking the rice.
  6. Let the rice rest undisturbed for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, which helps achieve a perfect fluffy texture and complete absorption of remaining moisture.
  7. Gently insert a fork into the rice and delicately separate the grains, creating a light and airy consistency before transferring to a serving dish.
  8. Serve the perfectly cooked rice immediately while hot, ensuring optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Gentle swirling with a fork prevents clumping, creating delicate rice grains that practically dance on your plate.
  • Covering the pot during the final resting period traps steam, transforming each grain into a perfectly tender morsel.
  • Low and slow heat ensures uniform cooking, protecting your rice from burning or developing an unpleasant scorched bottom.
  • Selecting a pot with ample space allows rice kernels room to expand and cook without becoming a compacted, sticky mess.
  • Rinsing rice thoroughly washes away excess starch, promising a clean, separated texture that elevates your entire dining experience.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (about 140g)
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg