Basmati Rice In Zojirushi Rice Cooker

One of my go-to Zojirushi rice cooker recipes is this Basmati Rice recipe, made with 1 cup Basmati rice and 1 1/2 cups water, and takes around 65 minutes to cook and yields 2 servings. Serve your cooked Basmati Rice with Honey Garlic Chicken, spinach dal, mixed vegetable curry, and Teriyaki Chicken.

To make this Basmati Rice in your Zojirushi rice cooker, start by measuring the rice with the cup provided, rinsing it until clear, adding it to the cooker with water, and cooking until the switch pops up.

With the same easy methods, you can cook Basmati Rice and other tasty dishes like Steel Cut Oats, Farro, and Banana Yogurt Bread in any rice cooker: Salton, Breville, or Zojirushi.

Zojirushi Rice Cooker Basmati Rice Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1 1/2 cups water

How To Make Basmati Rice In Zojirushi Rice Cooker

1. Measure the Basmati rice accurately: Use the measuring cup that comes with your rice cooker. Rinse the rice in a separate bowl until the water runs clear.
2. Add the washed rice to the inner pan: Transfer the rinsed rice into the cooker’s inner pan.
3. Pour in the water: Add 1 1/2 cups of cold water to the inner pan with the rice.
4. Ensure even distribution: Spread the rice evenly at the bottom of the pan. This helps it cook evenly.
5. Start cooking: Close the lid, plug in the cooker, and press the cooking switch to start. The cooking lamp will light up.
6. Wait for the switch to pop up: Once the rice is cooked, the switch will pop up, and the cooker will switch to “Keep Warm” mode. Leave the rice to steam for about 15 minutes for fluffier rice.
7. Fluff and serve: After steaming, fluff the rice with a spatula and it’s ready to be served.

Recipe Tips

1. Rinsing Rice: Rinse Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for getting rid of excess starch and ensuring fluffy rice.
2. Soaking Rice: Soak the Basmati rice for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps in achieving a better texture.
3. Water Level: Check the water level recommended for Basmati rice in your Zojirushi rice cooker manual, as it might slightly differ from other rice types.
4. Avoid Disturbing the Rice: Don’t open the lid or stir the rice during cooking to prevent releasing steam and affecting the texture.
5. Resting Time: Let the rice rest in the ‘Keep Warm’ mode for a while after cooking for better moisture distribution.
6. Fluffing the Rice: Use a fork or rice paddle to fluff the rice gently after cooking to separate the grains.

Recipe Variation

1. Lemon Basmati Rice: Add lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice to the cooking water for a refreshing citrus flavor.
2. Coconut Basmati Rice: Cook the rice in coconut milk instead of water, and add a little sugar for a sweet, tropical twist.
3. Saffron Infused Rice: Soak a few strands of saffron in warm water and add it to the rice cooker for aromatic and colorful rice.
4. Herbed Basmati Rice: Stir in some finely chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley after the rice is cooked for a fresh herby flavor.
5. Nutty Basmati Rice: Add toasted almonds or cashews to the cooked rice for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
6. Spiced Basmati Rice: Include a mix of ground spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander in the cooking water for a flavorful and aromatic rice dish.

Can I Cook Flavored Basmati Rice in the Rice Cooker?

Yes, you can cook flavored Basmati rice in the rice cooker. Add spices like cardamom, cinnamon, or cloves to the water for a fragrant touch. You can also cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.

How Can I Prevent Basmati Rice from Sticking Together?

To prevent Basmati rice from sticking, rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear, which removes excess starch. Also, ensure you use the right water-to-rice ratio (as recommended in the recipe), and don’t stir the rice during cooking.

Is It Possible to Cook Basmati Rice for a Crowd in a Rice Cooker?

Absolutely. You can cook a larger quantity of Basmati rice in the rice cooker. Just maintain the same water-to-rice ratio. For example, if you double the rice, double the water. Keep in mind that cooking time may slightly increase with larger quantities.

What To Serve With Basmati Rice

Basmati rice, which is prized for its delicate taste and fragrant perfume, goes well with robust dal (lentils), colorful stir-fried vegetables, tender grilled meats, and rich Indian curries. You can also complement stews wonderfully with Basmati rice. It can be a refreshing addition to various salads, enhancing your overall dining experience with its unique texture and flavor.

How To Store Basmati Rice

In The Fridge:

After ensuring that the Basmati rice has cooled down, the next step is to put it in a container that is airtight so that it may be stored in the refrigerator. In this manner, it may be stored for up to five days without losing its taste or texture, and it will stay in excellent condition during that time.

In The Freezer:

To freeze your Basmati rice, you should spread it out on a baking sheet once it has cooled. This will help the grains freeze individually and prevent them from sticking together. After you freeze it, transfer the rice to a bag or container that is safe to put in the freezer. You can store the rice for up to two months without it losing quality using this method.

How To Reheat Basmati Rice

In a saucepan set over medium heat, bring it back up to temperature while adding a few tablespoons of water. For about five minutes, or until the rice is uniformly warmed and returns to its natural texture, stir periodically and heat.

Check out More Rice Cooker Recipes:

• Rice Cooker Buckwheat Kasha with Bacon and Corn
• Zojirushi Rice Cooker Quinoa
• Beef Stew In Rice Cooker