Basmati Chaaval - Plain Basmati Rice
Basmati is the most expensive rice in the world. For its expense, there is a good deal of preparation readying it to cook. However, there it is no other rice like it in the world, the grain is very delicate and thin, it is an elegant rice, indeed.
Recipe Ingredients:
2 cups Basmati rice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter*
2 2/3 cup water
Cooking Directions:
- Pick the rice over and place in a bowl. Wash in several changes of water. Drain. Pour 5 cups of fresh water over the rice and let it soak for half an hour. Drain thoroughly.
- Combine the rice, salt, butter and 2 2/3 cup water in a heavy large saucepan. Bring to a boil; cover with a tight-fitting lid, lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Lift the lid, fluff gently but quickly with a fork and cover again. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until tender.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
*If you want a more "authentic" taste of India, use ghee instead of butter. Ghee is clarified butter or pure butter fat. Having no milk solids, it can be used for cooking at higher temperatures and can be stored without refrigeration for up to 3 or 4 months. See the recipe for: Ghee.
Recipe by Hope Cantil; copyright © 1999; property of CooksRecipes.com. See Terms of Use.