Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) basmati rice
  • 1.5 cups (360ml) water
  • ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional for flavor)

Instructions:

  1. Place 1 cup of basmati rice in a fine-mesh strainer or colander under cold running water. Rinse until the water runs clear, removing excess starch for fluffier rice.
  2. Soak the rinsed rice in water for 20-30 minutes to enhance texture (skip this if short on time).
  3. In a medium saucepan, add 1.5 cups of water, ½ teaspoon salt, and optional butter or oil. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the rinsed (and soaked, if applicable) rice.
  5. Cover the saucepan with a lid and simmer on low for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep steam trapped.
  6. After 15 minutes, remove from heat, keeping covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.