Plain Basmati, Several Ways

The subcontinental rice most widely known in North America is basmati. It’s long grain and often described as needle-shaped because it’s so narrow. The most prized basmati is grown in the Himalayan foothills in northern India and Pakistan.

Basmati is the ideal rice for pilafs and biryanis, since it can absorb flavored liquids while keeping its good texture and not getting mushy. You can also cook it as plain rice, as described here. Basmati is generally soaked in cold water for at l