Rice - Staple Dish Of India - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Method 1
1 cup basmati rice or 1 cup kolam rice (basmati rice should ideally be soaked in water for around 20-30 mins before cooking)
6 -8 cups water
salt
Method 2
1 cup basmati rice or 1 cup kolam rice (basmati rice should ideally be soaked in water for around 20-30 mins before cooking)
2 cups water
salt

Preparation

Ratio of rice to water when the quantity of rice increases: 2 cups rice: 3 3/4 cups water 3 cups rice: 5 1/2 cups water Method 1: Put water to boil.
In the meanwhile wash the rice 3 times.
When the water starts boiling add rice and salt.
Check in 10 mins to see if the rice is cooked.
The grains should be still firm but not raw.
Break the grain between your fingers to check.
Drain by covering with a fitting but flat lid and invert over the sink (as we do it) We then leave the inverted vessel for a good ten minutes to make sure all the water has drained.
Or you can also drain in a colander as you drain pasta.
(add some oil if you are doing it this way) Straighten and the rice is ready to serve.
Method 2 Wash 1 cup of rice really well till the rice water is absolutely clear.
(in a thick bottomed vessel- I use a non stick casserole) Now drain all the water and add 2 cups of water and 1 tsp salt (or according to taste) Bring to a boil on high heat.
Stir once.
Reduce flame to low and cover and simmer for 10-15 mins or till the top of the rice gets holey (small pits are formed in the rice) and when the vessel is tilted you do not see any water (totally dry).
Loosen the rice when hot with the back of a serving spoon.
Tip: YOu can add a few drops of lime to the water when you put the rice to boil with the salt.
It helps to separate the grains.