By Aishwarya Sahasrabudhe
August 11, 2023
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Rice is a staple in most Indian cuisines and cultures, and making perfectly cooked steamed rice in a cooker is all about mastering a major life skill. Here are some tips for producing the perfect pot of warm, soothing steamed rice.
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One handy trick to making soft white rice is to pre-soak it. Wash the rice thoroughly and let it soak for about 10 minutes before popping it in the cooker.
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Adjust the ratio of rice to water according to the type of rice you are choosing. Short-grain rice requires comparatively less water to cook than long-grain rice.
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If you are making steamed rice, put the washed rice in the water and place it in a pressure cooker or a rice cooker so that all the water is absorbed by the rice as it cooks.
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Washing the rice before cooking also means removing excess starch visible in the form of cloudy water in the vessel. This will prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
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If you are serving plain steamed rice with a pot of any Asian curry or a classic dal, you can flavour it while steaming. Add tej patta, veg stock or a lemongrass strand for aroma.
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While making rice in a rice cooker or on a stove in a pot, make sure you let it cook on its own. Stirring the rice will inhibit a perfect cook by releasing all the steam trapped inside.
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When all the water has been absorbed, take rice off the flame and let it rest. It will continue to absorb heat and remaining moisture giving it a perfectly cooked texture.
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Adding a teaspoon of oil to the rice and water mixture before cooking helps to keep it moist and prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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