simple recipe for cooking Indian rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice

• 2 cups water

• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee (clarified butter)

• Salt to taste

Optional Ingredients for Flavoring:

• Whole spices like cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick 

• Chopped onions

• Chopped garlic

• Chopped ginger

• Chopped green chilies

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice: Place the Basmati rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky while cooking.

2. Soak the rice (optional): Soaking the rice for about 30 minutes to an hour before cooking can help it cook more evenly and produce longer, fluffier grains. However, this step is optional.

3. Prepare the spices (optional): If you're using any whole spices or aromatics like onions, garlic, ginger, or green chilies, prepare them by chopping or measuring them out.

4. Heat the oil or ghee: In a heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. If you're using whole spices, add them to the hot oil and cook for a minute or until fragrant.

5. Sauté aromatics (optional): If you're using chopped onions, garlic, ginger, or green chilies, add them to the pot with the whole spices (if using) and sauté until the onions are translucent and aromatic.

6. Add the rice: Once the aromatics are cooked (if using), add the rinsed and drained Basmati rice to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil or ghee and sauté for a couple of minutes to lightly toast the rice.

7. Add water: Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine.

8. Cook the rice: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid stirring the rice while it's cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

9. Fluff the rice: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains.

10. Serve: Transfer the cooked Basmati rice to a serving dish and enjoy it hot as a side dish with your favorite Indian curries, dals, or other main dishes.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Indian rice!