How do you cook basmati rice?

Ingredients:

* 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed well

* 1 3/4 cups water

* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

2. Combine rice and water: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt.

3. Bring to a boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, uncovered. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot tightly, and cook for 12-15 minutes.

4. Fluff and rest: After 12-15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the remaining moisture and become fluffy.

5. Fluff and serve: Once the rice has rested, fluff it gently with a fork. Add butter (optional) and serve hot.

Tips:

* Ratio is key: Use the 1:1.75 ratio (rice to water) for perfectly cooked basmati rice.

* Don't overcook: Be careful not to overcook the rice. It can become mushy.

* Use a good quality rice: High-quality basmati rice makes a big difference in taste and texture.

* Experiment with flavors: Add spices, herbs, or citrus zest to the cooking water for extra flavor.

* Store leftovers: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your delicious and fluffy basmati rice!