This will make the rice more fragrant.
Wash the rice thoroughly with water 4 or 5 times. This step is essential because it removes excess starch, which can make the rice sticky.
If you've ever struggled with making rice that turns out sticky and soggy, you're not alone. Fortunately, it is possible to achieve perfectly fluffy rice with the right technique. Chef Pankaj Bhadoria recently shared a foolproof method for making non-sticky and fluffy rice, perfect for parties or special occasions.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making fluffy rice:
Choose the right rice: Start with 1.5-year-old basmati rice. This variety is less sticky and swells well during cooking, resulting in fluffier grains.
Rinse the rice: Wash the rice thoroughly with water 4 or 5 times. This step is essential because it removes excess starch, which can make the rice sticky.
Soaking rice: Soak clean rice in fresh water for 30 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb water and swell, which helps achieve a fluffy texture.
Prepare the cooking water: In a large pot or pressure cooker, bring water to a boil. For every cup of rice, add four times the amount of water. Add a half teaspoon of salt, a half teaspoon of oil and a few slices of lemon to the boiling water. The lemon helps keep the rice white, while the oil prevents it from sticking. The salt enhances the flavor.
Cook the rice: Add the soaked rice to the boiling water. Stir occasionally and check on the rice. When the rice is 90 percent cooked, turn off the heat. Overcooking can cause the rice to become mushy, so pay attention to this step.
Cooling the rice: Transfer the partially cooked rice to a large plate greased with a little oil. Spread the rice out and allow it to cool. This helps the grains to firm up and reduces stickiness. For added flavour, you can also add a pinch of cumin.
Following these steps will help you avoid common problems like mushy, sticky rice and ensure that your rice turns out fluffy and fragrant. Many users have shared their positive experiences in the comments, with one noting that their rice turned out “like a blooming flower” using this method.
