Indian Takeaway Hack #3

Tips from your local Indian Takeaway in Astley.

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Perfect Basmati Rice

Cook rice easily

Rice has been feeding humans for centuries, with evidence of rice cultivation dating back 15,000 years.

Are you guilty of not knowing how to cook rice? Do you go for a microwave in a bag or frozen option to avoid stodgy rice pudding? If I told you there was no need to measure at all, would it revolutionise your rice cooking?

All you need is rice, water, a pan, a heat source and an index finger!

What has my index finger got to do with cooking rice?

We are glad you asked! Using this method you can cook any amount of rice (as long as your pan is large enough!) without measuring anything AT ALL! No measuring of water, no measuring of rice – the greatest rice cooking hack ever has been used for centuries across the world.

How to cook rice perfectly every time

Step by step rice cooking

• Add the amount of basmati rice you wish to cook into a dish, wash the rice and drain the water away
• Transfer the drained rice into a pan
• Add cold water just to cover the top of the rice layer and stir until the rice settles
• Using your index finger, gently touch the tip of your finger on the top grains of rice.
• Continue pouring cold water over the rice until the water level reaches the first joint of your index finger.
• Over a high heat, place your pan on to the stove without a lid.
• As the water begins to boil, slightly adjust the heat to a lower setting whilst allowing the water to continue boiling gently as the rice cooks.
• As the water is absorbed during the cooking process the water will be less visible with small bubbles at the surface. Eventually you will see small holes in the surface of the rice. Cover with the correct pan lid and turn off the heat.
• Leave the lid on the pan for 15 minutes – no peeking!
• Remove the lid and use a fork to separate the grains of fluffy basmati rice.

NOTE
Don’t take your eye off the pan! Cooking only a small amount of rice will need less water and therefore the water will evaporate much faster than it will in a larger quantity of rice and water, due to the time it takes for the water to boil and absorb.

What about wholegrain rice varieties?

Wholegrain rice cooking

Foolproof, perfect rice every time, no matter which type you use.
If your personal preference is for a less processed rice such as wild red, black or wholegrain rice, adjust the water level to just above the first joint on your index finger. Now you can continue with the same method as above for perfect wholegrain rice every time.