Pressure Cooker Hacks: 7 Tips To Make Non-Sticky Rice

Rice is a staple food enjoyed worldwide and cherished for its versatility, affordability, and comfort. In India, states like West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, among others, have several rice-based dishes that are eaten on a daily basis. With our lives becoming increasingly busy, making rice in a pressure cooker can significantly reduce cooking time while still ensuring a fluffy result. But the biggest problem is that we end up making sticky, overcooked rice in the pressure cooker.

So, if you are a working professional who has to go through the morning rush of cooking your meals, here are some hacks to make the perfect non-sticky rice in the pressure cooker.

Before cooking, always rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water. This step removes excess starch from the grains, preventing them from becoming sticky and clumpy. A clear indication would be to rinse the rice thoroughly while it has milky water, until it runs clear, and then drain well.

Choose the Right Rice-to-Water Ratio

The ratio of rice to water is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. For most types of white rice, a 1:2 ratio works well. That means one cup of rice should be cooked with two cups of water. For brown rice or black rice, use a slightly higher ratio, such as 1:2.5, as it requires more water and a longer cooking time.

Adjust Cooking Time Based on Rice Variety

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Different rice varieties have unique cooking times. While standard white rice is typically cooked in 8–9 minutes at high pressure, brown rice requires around 20–25 minutes. Similarly, long-grain rice varieties like Basmati might need slightly less water than short-grain ones. Familiarise yourself with the specific cooking times for various rice types to achieve the best results.

Avoid Overfilling the Pressure Cooker

To prevent potential clogging or uneven cooking, avoid filling the pressure cooker with rice and water up to its maximum capacity. Leave some space for the rice to expand during cooking. As a general rule, fill the pressure cooker up to two-thirds of its capacity when cooking rice. This makes sure that the rice grains come out fluffy and non-sticky.

Add Flavour

If you are bored of the same old white rice, you can experiment with flavours. Enhance the taste of your rice by using vegetable broth instead of plain water. You can also add whole spices like bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, or cardamom pods to the cooking water for a beautiful aroma. Another good way to make your rice taste great is to add ghee to it along with water. It also helps the rice come out non-sticky.

Flame Adjusting

First, cook the rice on a high flame and let it give out one whistle. Then, make sure that the rice cooks on a low flame for another whistle. This ensures even cooking of all the rice grains and prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the vessel.

Let the Rice Rest

Once the rice has finished cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork or spoon. Do not open the lid of the pressure cooker before all the steam comes out. Allowing the rice to rest for an appropriate amount of time ensures that any excess moisture is absorbed, resulting in a more even texture.