Basmati rice is a variety of long grain rice popular all around the world, known for its aromatic qualities and light nutty flavor. Cultivated primarily in India and Pakistan, it’s traditional in Indian cuisine as well as some South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
You’ve likely seen basmati rice used in dishes like biryani and kheer or served alongside Indian classics like tikka masala and tandoori chicken. But the unique aroma of basmati rice makes it beloved around the world and ideal for a wide range of recipes.
Preparing Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is typically prepared on the stove or in a rice cooker. Making basmati rice is similar to preparing other varieties of rice—bring the rice and water to a boil, then simmer until the water is fully absorbed. Cooking times take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes but can vary depending on the amount of rice being cooked and the amount of water used.
When preparing basmati rice using traditional methods, keep these tips in mind:
- Rinse the rice before cooking: Remove excess starch from the rice by washing the rice in water a few times, until the water runs clear. Starch can make cooked rice sticky or gummy, so this is an important step to ensure fluffy rice.
- Use the right rice-to-water ratio: For basmati rice that’s not too gummy or too dry, use the ratio of one cup rice to 1.5 cups water.
- Don’t peek: While the rice is on the stove, don’t lift the lid. This allows steam to escape which can affect the cooking time.
Thankfully, there’s another method to prepare delicious basmati rice at home even more easily, without the fuss of estimating cook times or rinsing the rice beforehand. Minute Rice’s Instant Basmati Rice is ready in just five minutes so you can enjoy a fragrant, fluffy bowl of basmati rice with any weeknight meal. On the stovetop, simply boil water, add the rice, then cover and remove from the heat. After five minutes, or when the water is fully absorbed, fluff it with a fork and you’re ready to enjoy! You can also prepare Minute Instant Basmati Rice in the microwave—simply combine rice and water and microwave on high for five minutes.
For an even faster option, try Minute Basmati Rice Cups. These cups are perfectly portioned and ready in just one minute, ideal for lunches on the go or as the base to dinner on a hectic weeknight. Just microwave the cup for sixty seconds and you have a fluffy, aromatic base of basmati rice perfect for rice bowls, curries, salads and more.
Thanks to the speed and convenience of Minute Rice, there are plenty of quick and easy basmati rice recipes that you can enjoy at home. Below are just a few of the tasty dishes you can make with Minute Rice Basmati, all of which are incredibly simple to prepare so you can focus less on preparation and more on enjoying your meal.
Simple Basmati Rice Recipes to Try
Classic Indian Flavors
Originating in India, basmati rice is the perfect rice type for a number of classic Indian dishes and goes well with many flavors from Indian cuisine. Try this quick and easy version of Chickpea Tikka Masala that uses just four ingredients for a satisfying vegetarian meal. Simply combine chickpeas with tikka masala sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, then serve alongside a Minute Basmati Rice Cup garnished with cilantro.
For another vegetarian dish that the whole family will enjoy, try our vibrant and flavorful Mumbai Rice. This recipe offers a delectable mix of classic Indian spices, including curry powder and turmeric, along with a hearty serving of vegetables and chickpeas. Minute Instant Basmati Rice is cooked in the rich, spiced broth which helps deepen the flavors of this dish.
Chutney is an Indian sauce that combines fruit, vinegar, sugar and spices and comes in many delicious varieties. This Shrimp Chutney with Basmati Rice[1] dish combines mango chutney with shrimp, Minute Basmati Rice Cups, yogurt, cilantro and curry powder for a flavorful combination. You can make this dish your own by trying different chutneys, or by replacing the shrimp with chicken, tofu or chickpeas.
For a quick Indian-inspired meal ideal for lunch or a quick dinner when you’re short on time, try this Curry Chicken rice bowl. Just prepare a Minute Basmati Rice Cup, then add shredded chicken, peas, mayonnaise and curry powder and you’re ready to enjoy in just minutes.
Orange Fennel Chicken
Chicken and rice gets a twist with this Orange Fennel Chicken recipe. The zest of fresh orange and the sweetness of fennel are excellent complements to chicken and basmati rice, adding a unique spin to a classic meal.
Turkey Sausage and Pepper Rice
Look no further for an easy and satisfying one-pot meal than this Turkey Sausage and Pepper Rice dish from recipe creator Balancing Pieces. This recipe uses just five ingredients to make a delicious meal the entire family will enjoy. Minute Instant Basmati Rice gets an extra burst of flavor with fresh lime juice, then is added to sauteed onions, bell peppers and turkey sausage.
Cheesy Pesto Rice
This Cheesy Pesto Rice is a unique and tasty way to enjoy a Minute Basmati Rice Cup. This rice bowl combines basmati rice with pesto sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese and pine nuts for a satisfyingly herby, cheesy dish. Enjoy it for a light meal or snack or serve it as a tasty side dish with your next dinner!
Tropical Island Rice
A Mix It Up rice bowl ideal for a quick meal is this Tropical Island Rice. Aromatic basmati rice combines perfectly with the tropical flavors of pineapple, ham, soy sauce and sesame oil. Simply prepare a Minute Basmati Rice Cup in the microwave, add the ingredients and mix for an easy lunch.
Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bowl
Recipe creator Amanda Warren’s Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bowl is packed full of flavor for a delicious meal that’s still easy to prepare thanks to Minute Instant Basmati Rice. On top of a base of basmati rice, add chicken marinated in Greek vinaigrette and fresh vegetables like cucumbers, arugula, tomato and red onion, then top with tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta and hummus. All the ingredients combine for a dish that’s perfectly fresh, crunchy, creamy and delicious!
Sriracha Salmon, Basmati Rice and Guacamole Burrito
Basmati rice is right at home in this Sriracha Salmon, Basmati Rice and Guacamole Burrito[1] . Classic burrito ingredients like beans, guacamole, cheese and tomato get a unique spin with salmon and a drizzle of sriracha. Want to pack this meal to enjoy a tasty lunch at the office? Cool the basmati rice to room temperature after cooking before assembling your burrito.
Basmati Rice with Dried Fruit and Almonds
Highlight the nutty, aromatic flavor of Minute Instant Basmati Rice with this Basmati Rice with Dried Fruit and Almonds from recipe creator Christina Patricio. Sliced almonds and dried fruits like blueberries and mangos are a help to complement the natural aromatic taste of basmati rice. She serves this basmati rice alongside chicken kabobs with bell pepper, onion, zucchini and pineapple, but it’s a great side dish to serve with any meal or even on its own as a fruity, nutty snack.
Tres Leches
Minute Basmati Rice Cups are delicious in desserts as well as savory meals! This quick Tres Leches is as easy to prepare as it is decadent. Combine a Minute Basmati Rice Cup with vanilla pudding, sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream and cinnamon for a deliciously rich treat ready in minutes.
Simple Meals to Celebrate Basmati Rice
These simple recipes are a great way to get started creating delicious meals using basmati rice, but the possibilities with this delicious rice variety are endless. Follow these recipes for simple meals ready in minutes or put your own unique spin using your preferred ingredients.
For even more recipe inspiration to use basmati rice, be sure to visit the Minute Rice recipe page. Looking for quick meal ideas ready in just minutes, using pantry staples you already have on hand? Check out Minute Rice Mix It Up rice bowls for a wealth of creative ways to use your Minute Basmati Rice Cups.
Why stop at basmati? Minute Rice offers a wealth of different rice products to suit whatever you’re craving, from rice cups packed with flavor to instant rice varieties that make dinnertime a breeze.
