How to Cook Basmati Rice without Soaking
Last Updated on May 31, 2023 by Santosh Allada
Learn How to Cook Basmati Rice without Soaking perfectly each and every time. In this article, I will guide you through the steps of cooking basmati rice in a pressure cooker without the need for soaking. In just a few simple steps, you will have tender, fluffy, and fragrant separate grains in just 20 minutes.
If you have read my rice recipes with basmati rice, I have recommended soaking basmati rice before cooking as it improves the texture and longer rice grains.
Making basmati rice (with soaking) can be a time-consuming process. However, with this no-soak basmati rice recipe, you can save time. This method is perfect for those busy days when you crave basmati rice but do not have hours to spare. The time saved can be used to make an accompaniment to your rice.
There are several cooking methods you can use to prepare basmati rice, each offering slightly different results in terms of texture and flavor. In this recipe, we are using a pressure cooker that can significantly reduce the cooking time for basmati rice while still producing fluffy results.
This recipe to cook basmati rice without soaking is a convenient option for busy mornings to pack a lunch box or when you have to prepare meals (lunch or dinner) quickly.
About Basmati Rice Recipe Without Soaking
Basmati rice recipe without soaking is one of the easiest rice recipes you will make! Made in a pressure cooker, this one-pot rice dish comes together in under 20 minutes.
It took me quite a number of tries before I got the right rice-to-water ratio and cooking time. With this basmati rice recipe without soaking, you will have perfectly cooked rice if you follow the tips and instructions below.
You may notice that the amount of liquid specified in this recipe is less than what you see in many other rice recipes. That’s because a pressure cooker creates a sealed environment where steam and pressure build up, resulting in minimal water loss during the cooking process. So the quantity of water is just enough to cook through the basmati rice. Adding more water will lead to mushy rice.
For the perfect basmati rice recipe, you need only three ingredients – rice, salt, and water. In just a few simple steps, you will have tender, fluffy, and fragrant separate grains.
I always prefer to cook the long grain or medium grain rice in a pressure cooker using the pot-in-pot method. Using a pot inside a pressure cooker avoids the spewing of water outside the cooker while cooking.
While making it for a crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe, based on your needs. Just ensure that you follow the rice and water proportions as mentioned in the recipe. However, the cooking time will remain the same.
So, next time you’re short on time or simply prefer to cook basmati rice without soaking, give this technique a try and enjoy a bowl of fluffy and fragrant basmati rice in a jiffy!
Reasons to try
Easy and quick.
Fuss-free.
No fail basmati rice recipe.
No soaking.
Saves time.
Fluffy, and perfectly cooked basmati rice every time.
Vegetarian and Vegan.
Pro Tips
Well-cooked basmati rice grains should be soft, fluffy, retain their shape, and separate from each other. Let me share a few tips for a no-fail pressure cooker basmati rice recipe. The basmati rice prepared this way won’t stick to the bottom of the pressure cooker and will have a perfect texture with each grain separate.
1. Use a good quality basmati rice: Good quality and aged basmati rice has a distinct and delicate flavor profile. So, it is essential for achieving the best results in terms of flavor, aroma, and texture.
2. Rinse basmati rice very well before cooking: It is an important step to wash away the extra starch and helps to keep the rice from clumping once cooked.
3. Use the right amount of cooking liquid: It is important to avoid undercooked or sticky rice. The commonly recommended ratio for cooking basmati rice in a pressure cooker is 1:1.5, which means one part rice to one and a half parts water. Use the same measuring cup for both rice and water.
If you prefer softer rice, you can increase the water slightly to achieve a fluffier texture. However, the rice-to-water ratio can vary slightly depending on the different brands of rice and differently aged rice you are using. The exact rice-to-water ratio comes with trial and error.
4. Cooking Time: Let the basmati rice cook for 3 whistles on a high flame. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. Avoid using the quick-release method as it can affect the rice’s texture.
5. Resting Period: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pressure cooker from the heat and let it rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice grains to absorb the extra moisture and distribute evenly through the grains, resulting in an even texture.
Ingredients
Rice: I have used long-grain basmati rice. I strongly recommend using good quality and aged basmati rice. I love Daawat Biryani basmati rice which is the longest rice grain and is aged over 2 years.
Oil: It is added to keep the rice separate and nice.
Water: to cook the rice.
Seasoning: salt.
How to Cook Basmati Rice without Soaking (Step-by-Step)
1. Measure 1 cup of rice and transfer it to a bowl.
2. Pour water until the rice is completely submerged. Use your hand and swirl to move the rice grains around. Discard the cloudy water from the pot.
3. Repeat the process 2-3 times or until the water is clear.
4. After the last rinse, add 1.5 cups of fresh water, 1/2 tsp oil, and salt. Give a good mix.
Place the bowl inside the pressure cooker. Close the pressure cooker lid securely, ensuring it is tightly sealed.
Cook for exactly 3 whistles over a high flame.
5. After 3 whistles, turn off the heat and wait for the pressure from the cooker to be released naturally.
Once the pressure has completely been released, let the rice rest for 5 more minutes. Open the lid carefully, directing the steam away from you.
6. Fluff the rice gently with a ladle or fork.
Basmati Rice is ready. Serve it along with a side dish of your choice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pressure cooker white basmati rice with any rich Indian curries, or lentil dishes. You can also use cooked rice in making a variety of rice dishes.
1. Curry: Serve the rice as a main course alongside paneer butter masala, palak paneer, shahi paneer, veg malai masala, etc.
2. Lentil or Legume dishes: Choose any one of these lentil recipes like dal tadka, dal makhani, chole masala,
3. Rice dishes: jeera rice, egg fried rice, tawa pulao.
Storage Suggestions
Refrigeration: Allow the cooked basmati rice to cool down completely. Transfer the cooled rice to a clean and dry airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating: Before serving, reheat it in the microwave, pressure cooker, or in a pan on the stovetop.
While reheating in a pressure cooker, transfer the rice to a separate heatproof container or a stainless steel bowl. Place the container inside the pressure cooker and cook for 1 whistle on a high flame.
I avoid freezing the basmati rice as it has a tendency to lose its texture and become mushy when frozen and thawed.
More Related Recipes
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Recipe Card
How to Cook Basmati Rice without Soaking
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati Rice
- 1/2 tsp Oil
- 1/4-1/2 tsp Salt
- 1.5 cups Water
Instructions
- Measure 1 cup of rice and transfer it to a bowl.
- Pour water until the rice is completely submerged. Use your hand and swirl to move the rice grains around. Discard the cloudy water from the pot.
- Repeat the process 2-3 times or until the water is clear.
- After the last rinse, add 1.5 cups of fresh water, oil, and salt. Give a good mix.
- Place the bowl inside the pressure cooker. Close the pressure cooker lid securely, ensuring it is tightly sealed.
- Cook for exactly 3 whistles over a high flame.
- After 3 whistles, turn off the heat and wait for the pressure from the cooker to be released naturally.
- Once the pressure has completely been released, let the rice rest for 5 more minutes. Open the lid carefully, directing the steam away from you.
- Fluff the rice gently with a ladle or fork.
- Basmati Rice is ready. Serve it along with a side dish of your choice.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the rinsing step when cooking basmati rice without soaking?
It is highly recommended to rinse the basmati rice before cooking, even if you’re not soaking it. Rinsing removes any dirt, impurities, and excess starch, resulting in fluffier and non-sticky rice.
Can I use this method for other types of rice?
While this recipe is specifically tailored for aged basmati rice, you can experiment with other long-grain rice varieties as well. However, please note that the cooking time and water-to-rice ratio may vary slightly.
Can I add spices or aromatics to the basmati rice?
Certainly! If you prefer more flavorful rice, you can add whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or cardamom pods to the cooking water.
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