Food Recipes How to Make Perfect Brown Basmati Rice 4.2 (153) 12 Reviews Learn how to cook delicious, healthy whole grain basmati rice on the stovetop. By Sara Quessenberry Updated on November 07, 2024 Save Rate PRINT Share Hands On Time: 5 mins Total Time: 55 mins Yield: 4 serves Jump to recipe Basmati rice is aromatic, long-grained rice that comes in brown and white varieties. Unlike white rice, brown basmati rice is considered a whole grain since it still has a germ and bran coating from not being milled. The nutty taste and unique texture make this ingredient an excellent base for most rice dinners. The first step, though, is perfecting the rice. Learn how to make delicious, whole grain basmati rice by following the instructions below. Carson Downing, Props: Lexi Juhl, Food: Kelsey Moylan Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 1 cup brown basmati rice Kosher salt Directions Bahareh Niati Heat rice, salt, and water: In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine rice, 2 cups water, and ½ teaspoon salt. Carson Downing, Props: Lexi Juhl, Food: Kelsey Moylan Boil contents of saucepan: Bring to a boil. Carson Downing, Props: Lexi Juhl, Food: Kelsey Moylan Stir and simmer: Stir once, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 50 minutes. (Do not lift the lid or stir!) Carson Downing, Props: Lexi Juhl, Food: Kelsey Moylan Remove from heat and fluff: Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes; fluff with a fork and serve. Carson Downing, Props: Lexi Juhl, Food: Kelsey Moylan Variations on Brown Basmati Rice Cook your basmati rice in broth to add extra flavor and nutrition. Bone both is a great option, but any type of brown in the same ratio as rice to water will work. If the broth is salted, eliminated the kosher salt. Toast basmati grains before cooking by heating the rice in a dry saucepan over medium heat. When a toasty scent starts to develop, in about 3-5 minutes, add water. The rice will have an extra depth of flavor when cooked. Make yellow rice by stirring in turmeric with the cooking liquid. A teaspoon is sufficient. Saffron diluted in water can also work to create fragrant, yellow-hued rice. Add a pat of butter to fluffed rice before serving to add a touch of richness to the cooked basmati rice. Long Grain White Rice 6 Recipes to Serve with Brown Basmati Rice Coconut Curry Sauce Chili-Lime Chicken Thighs and Black Beans Instant Pot Butter Chicken Apricot-Fresno Glazed Chicken Curried Eggplant with Tomatoes and Basil Roasted Butternut Squash with Tahini Sauce Frequently Asked Questions Is brown basmati rice healthy? Brown basmati rice is considered a whole grain, which is part of a balanced and healthy diet. Whole grains are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals considered to help lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease and more. Do I need to soak my brown basmati rice before cooking? Pre-soaking is not necessary for preparing brown basmati rice. Rinsing the rice to remove excess starch is recommended. Which brown basmati rice is the best? Basmati rice from California, India, and Pakistan is considered the best by nutrition experts. Learn More: Is Rice Healthy? Rate It Print