How to make perfect basmati rice

Want to know how to have your basmati rice be perfect every time? Follow these simple steps.

1.     Measure the rice. We typically use a quarter cup per person, although it’s usually recommended to use one third cup per person.

2.     Wash the rice three times.

3.     Drain the rice

4.     Put the rice in a pan with a tightly-fitting lid.

5.     Add 2 cups water for each cup of rice.

6.     Optional: if you have time, let the rice soak for 30 minutes

7.     Bring to a boil, cover and turn down to low.

8.     Cook until the grains stand up on end. That should be 25-45 minutes, depending on how much rice you are using and whether you soaked it.

9.     Do not fork over, unless it’s fancy rice and the recipe instructs you to fork it really gently to mix in the other ingredients.

10. If you’re serving dal over rice, spoon into each plate/thali and gently make a well with the bottom of the ladle, to keep the dal on the rice.

Fragrant basmati rice should please your eyes, nose and tongue. Enjoy!

 Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.

Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!