Indian Basmati In Rice Cooker Recipe

Using only 1 ½ cups basmati rice, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 2 ½ cups water, you can easily prepare this Indian Basmati recipe in a rice cooker taking only 55 minutes. Serve your Indian Basmati with delicious sides like Chicken Tikka Masala, Palak Paneer, and Vegetable Korma.

To make Indian Basmati in a Rice Cooker, start by rinsing 1 ½ cups basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for 20 minutes. In your rice cooker, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil using the sauté function, then add spices and a thinly sliced small onion, sautéing until golden. Drain the rice, add it to the cooker along with 2 ½ cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt, and cook.

Discover more about enhancing your meals with the perfect rice dish; this simple guide makes cooking basmati rice effortless.

How Can I Make This Basmati Rice Recipe Vegan?

To make this basmati rice recipe vegan, simply ensure that the vegetable oil used, about 2 tablespoons, is your preferred vegan brand. The rest of the ingredients, including 1 ½ cups basmati rice and 2 ½ cups water, are naturally vegan. Spices and onions add flavor without any animal products.

Rice Cooker Indian Basmati Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 (2 inch) cinnamon stick
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 ½ cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

How To Make Indian Basmati In Rice Cooker

1. Prep the Rice: Rinse 1 ½ cups of basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes.
2. Sauté Spices and Onion: Use the sauté function of your rice cooker to heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and cumin seeds, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the thinly sliced onion, sautéing until golden brown, around 10 minutes. If your rice cooker lacks a sauté function, perform this step in a pan over medium heat. Follow the same process for sautéing the spices and onion.
3. Combine Ingredients: Drain the rice and add it to the rice cooker with the sautéed spices and onion. Add 2 ½ cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt.
4. Cook: Close the lid and set the rice cooker to the “White Rice” setting. Let it cook until the cycle completes.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the rice stand for 5 minutes after cooking. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Recipe Variation

• Coconut Milk Basmati Rice: Swap out the water for coconut milk to infuse your basmati rice with a creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor. This variation pairs beautifully with spicy curries, adding a soothing balance to fiery dishes.
• Lemon Herb Basmati Rice: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with a handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the rice before cooking. This brings a refreshing zestiness and a pop of color, perfect for a summer side dish.
• Saffron Infused Basmati Rice: Stir a pinch of saffron threads into the water before adding it to the rice cooker. The saffron not only imparts a beautiful golden hue but also a luxurious aroma and flavor, elevating the rice to a festive dish.
• Nutty Basmati Rice: Toast a mix of slivered almonds, cashews, and raisins in ghee and mix them into the cooked rice. This adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, making the rice a meal in itself or a special accompaniment to simple dishes.

How To Serve With Indian Basmati

Serve Indian Basmati with Chicken Tikka Masala, Palak Paneer, Vegetable Korma, Dal Tadka, and Raita. These dishes complement the fragrant rice with their rich flavors and textures, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Rice Instead Of Basmati For This Recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of rice such as jasmine or long-grain white rice, but the unique aroma and texture of basmati rice, which requires 1 ½ cups for this recipe, are what make this dish distinctively Indian. Adjust water ratios accordingly, as different rice types may require more or less than the 2 ½ cups specified for basmati.

How To Store Indian Basmati

In The Fridge:

Store your cooked Indian Basmati in your refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the rice from drying out.

In The Freezer:

Keep your Indian Basmati in the freezer for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Ensure it’s cooled down before freezing to prevent ice crystal formation, which maintains texture and flavor.

How To Reheat Indian Basmati

Reheat your Indian Basmati on the stovetop by adding a few tablespoons of water, covering it, and warming it over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Or, microwave it with a sprinkle of water, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

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• Ghee Rice In Rice Cooker
• Brown Rice In Zojirushi Rice Cooker
• Wild Rice In Aroma Rice Cooker