The Secrets of Indian Cooking: Perfect Indian Rice

Learn how to cook the perfect Indian rice. Monica serves it with the spinach lamb curry she cooked in the episode 2: • The Secrets of Indian ...
Using basmati rice, the key is to wash the rice three-four times until the water runs clear.
You can also add an injection of flavour, aroma and fragrance by toasting off spices before cooking and making sure your ratios are perfect.
See the step by step recipe here: www.finedininglovers.com/reci...
See Monica's Indian Pantry 101: a list of ingredients you'll need to master Indian cooking here: www.finedininglovers.com/arti...
Learn more about Monica and her Indian cookery school here: shikshak.co.uk/
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[@lilyt5855]

Thank you for the thorough video! Notes to self: 4 tsp oil 4 bay leaf 4 clove 8 crushed cardamom pods 2 tsp cumin seeds 2 tsp salt 2 cups rinsed basmati rice 4 cups water Cover half way, med heat, cook approx 10 min, check water level on the bottom of the pan, let rest 5 min.

[@nazder776]

4 bay leaves 🍃

[@j.e.k.6014]

​@@nazder776 Her adaptation is a 1/4 recipe, hence only 1 of 4 leaves. That's also why all the other measurements are 75% less than the video.

[@LovelyMaria238]

Thank you 💞

[@brent829]

Haha, great notes except the rice amount! 😂

[@lilyt5855]

​@@brent829I was only making 1/4 of the recipe. I didn't expect anyone else to even see my comment, but since they have I think I'll update the amounts so no one gets confused.

[@sharryltoews1010]

I tried this recipe several times with the basmati rice I usually get from the bulk section of the supermarket and it never turned out for me. So I went online and ordered some "authentic basmati rice from the foot hills of the Himalayas". It turned out PERFECTLY! Just wanted to share in case anyone else was struggling with getting the perfect rice.

[@xchorro]

that’s really funny tbh haha the name for the authentic rice

[@junebyrne4491]

Look fo r a recipe for baking rice. Start it

[@LatinaMuslimAndProud]

Soak the rice for 30-45 minutes

[@veemalgourdeale3965]

That is delightful and look forward to applying this method. Awesome

[@themodernshoe2466]

Some rice will have already been processed so they don't require rinsing. This may be the problem for some people.

[@terkina08]

I’m Mexican and love cooking. I have never cooked anything but Mexican Food so I’m here watching and learning your techniques. I’ve cooked rice all my life and have no issues. Basmati rice is a different technique and really excited to try it. You are Such a great teacher. Love your calm voice and you explain things very simple. Im excited to try Indian cuisine. I am attempting to cook creamy Chicken Curry with potatoes and pineapple on top of basmati rice (the restaurant here calls it Bollywood Chicken).

[@malaydice7095]

Well done to you with having an open mind of different cultures

[@AnovaLisaDragonfly]

Thank you for this video. I’ve now made perfect basmati rice three times in a row using these tips. Rice seems simple, but it’s one of the trickiest foods to cook! It was always hit-or-miss for me. Now it’s consistently just right. (3:25, 5:18) Rice:Water = 1:2 Bring water to a boil first, then add rice. Bring it back up to a good simmer/light boil, then cover (not quite all the way). Cook on medium heat for 5 mins. Check it, then let cook for another 4-5 mins. Take off heat. Let it rest for 5 mins. Then open/fluff.

[@AlergicToSnow]

I don’t often cook Indian food but I had a dinner party and got talked into it. First time making this rice and it was a huge hit. I’m totally encouraged to try other dishes.

[@nautilusjungle2288]

The recipe helped me make PERFECT rice, it's just so good. I've never really cooked before, the recipe is absolutely fullproof, it's lovely!!

[@chopchopchop9459]

Thank you! I literally just made this rice for dinner and it turned out spectacular! Family loves it! ❤️❤️❤️

[@holly5755]

Wow! So simple. First time I've had success cooking basmati rice to perfection. Thank you very much.

[@smoothjazzfan]

Thanks so much! Used the same method and came out perfectly.

[@fjones]

Thank you...thank you. Finally a simple and clear recipe to make my favourite rice....I can't wait to try this once I buy the pods/cloves. Thanks again!

[@maryabreu9634]

Absolutely delicious Monica! I have just made your rice. Very easily explained! Yesterday I made an Anglo-Indian Chicken Curry demonstrated by Bridget White as I discovered her last year. My parents lived on Pakistan from 1947 for 10 years. So I grew up on my mother's Anglo-Indian and Indian food. But she has passed over. So I am enjoying watching you as you make it sound very easy to cook Indian food. Thank you 😊

[@cadia.c.coulibaly]

Thank you so much ! I've had success cookibg basmati rice to perfection ! This is the best video I found on how to cook basmati rice. Clear and simple explanations, very good teacher!

[@sharonah]

I tried your method and the rice turnd out perfect Thank you ❤️

[@ruthhahn2449]

I do love Monica. She is such a good teacher

[@KevinLopez-hf6uk]

Really love your explanation ❤️ thanks you!

[@joanwalford1959]

Yes. I will try this recipe today.

[@acolley2891]

This rice was absolutely delicious! Perfect fluffiness!

[@komisobaba]

You are the best! Thanks a million and God bless!

[@bruceacphoto5240]

VERY well presented tyvm!!

[@pdixit935]

Thank you so much! You are the best teacher ever. First time ever I could cook delicious restaurant style basmati rice.

[@knightsaberami01]

I didn't have access to the cardamom pods so I subbed for 1 tsp of ground also added a half tsp of Saigon Cinnamon tasted like it did in the restaurant. Thank you so very much, we look forward to trying your other recipes.

[@larspregge6420]

The best and fluffiest rice i ever made. ty

[@lovelineekene5990]

Wow... yummy... I will try it today

[@andreatanzi3191]

Very well explained, and easy to do, I like !

[@ayaaromar1569]

Wow, this is really nice. Thank you for this video, I was always struggling to cook rice properly. Now I can surprise my Indian friends but don't worry, I'll give credit to you!!! 🙂🙂🙂

[@diniasantos9117]

This way of cooking basmati rice is very simple and easy. I’m gonna follow the steps and have basmati steamed rice for lunch. Can’t wait.

[@amandahotchkiss3301]

Thank you so much for sharing this recipe & cooking technique! I didn't know about the absorption method & I use it all of the time now! always get perfect results 😊

[@nickyp310]

amazing job. cooking rice is as basic as cooking an egg, but so hard to master.

[@VictorGonzalez-vj6jy]

Just made some and it’s soooo good!

[@00bikeboy]

Excellent. Thanks to you I'm now serving restaurant quality rice.

[@ruthhahn2449]

Great recipe, awesome teacher. Tried it for the first time and it was super delicious.

[@steveward3643]

Washing the rice is critical,fantastic video,follow the instructions and you can't go wrong. 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@holeindanssock156]

Thanks! Shukria!

[@automaticraccon]

This is great. First time I see it explained in detail with the spices. I think some indian restaurants add a few whole cardamom seeds and some fennel seeds at the very end (maybe while resting so they heat up a little?). Also raisins and almond sticks seem to get added sometime. What is your take on this?

[@Evan11J]

Great video , very well done. 👍

[@gladisrivera6390]

Thank you!! Was delicious!!

[@DavidHernandez-lv7mj]

I just made the rice following the instructions and it turned out to be amazing!! Now I have two ways of cooking the perfect basmati rice! Thanks Monica!

[@TheSpiceClub]

Amazing! So pleased to hear that David :)

[@BeatrizOliveira-ye6nn]

❤❤ Ty so much

[@ertiandmanol1467]

Tried it and it was excellent❤doing it again today

[@ellaa.6547]

Thank you❤❤❤❤❤

[@PriyaXOXOSquiggle]

Just made this and it was absolutely perfect!!

[@TheSpiceClub]

I'm so happy to hear that Priya! :)

[@shuznut]

This is great. It came really well. Thank u so much ❤️

[@TheSpiceClub]

I am so happy to hear that your rice came out so well Tharushika! You're very welcome. Monica

[@jen2026]

Just made this rice and oh my God it's just as delicious as it looks. Thank you so much I am so happy I know how to make rice now. ❤️

[@TheSpiceClub]

So pleased to hear than Jen!! 🙂

[@user-qj9cx5mg9x]

Hi monica! This is a great recipe! My first time making basmati rice came out Divine thanks to your fool proof, flavorful recipe. God willing I’ll be back for more! Thank you! God bless☀️

[@TheSpiceClub]

I am so pleased to hear my recipe was a success in your kitchen! Be sure to check out more of my Indian recipes in other episodes on this channel 🙂. Monica

[@Akatsuki181.]

I click on the step by step instructions link but can't find the measurements. Can someone please help?

[@ashleysaenz5830]

Excellent video! I am making this right now!

[@TheSpiceClub]

Thanks Ashley! I hope you enjoyed the recipe 🙂. Monica

[@patriciamarshall4884]

I am so happy I found your channel. You explain everything in detail and this is exactly what I was looking for to learn how to cook this wonderful food. Thank you 😊

[@TheSpiceClub]

Ah thank you Patricia - I am so happy you found it so useful :D

[@luketorkingtondrums]

I might give this another go. My rice was still a little crunchy. I halved the amount of ingredients as it was for 2 but it was still a little salty. Nearly there though.

[@eshanyadallee1402]

thkx

[@ditalam108]

Great recipe which I will try today!

[@TheSpiceClub]

Let us know how you get on Nivedita!

[@samanthasamuels157]

Very tasty rice, I didn’t have cardamom and cloves but used cumin and bay leaves and it turned out very well!

[@Joe-uk3rg]

cardamom is a game changer

[@abigailvomelmo1167]

Hi 🙂! Your Recipe for Basmati Rice looks Superb 😋😋😋!! TYFS. The first time I ever heard of Basmati Rice was from a friends' mom. She was cooking a pot of it & I told her that I smelled Popcorn. She said she was not cooking Popcorn & was making Basmati Rice. Since then, a luvluvluv of mine 🥰! I learned of Cardamom in VA, USA @ a Mediterranean Restaurant. I bought their Homemade Roti. I assumed the dark seed-like spots were a spice. The Baker told me they were Cardamom. I luvluvluv Cardamom. I put it in my Coffee, Tea & sometimes just pop the seeds in my mouth. 😍😍. I was wondering why you put the Cardamom Pods & Seeds in your Recipe?? I always break the Pod when I use them, maybe that is not necessary??? Have a WONDERFUL day, ALL day long!!! 🙂

[@lmp2motivation]

You are really talented my friend 🤗 you have my full support 😁 thank you for sharing this amazing video👍👌👍

[@lesliebonilla8330]

I made it and I loved it 😍🇩🇴

[@7upai]

We Indonesia 🇮🇩 people have a good food like fried rice 🙎n thats delicious.

[@JermaineAuNatural]

Just took the top off and it is Perfection!!! TFS!

[@glenda73]

I like all Indian food especially there rice yummy

[@fevkin]

Great Monica, I'm cooking it now as I felt it would go well with chilli non carne. I always cook my rice ultra low flame once it's come to the boil as per my first cooking lesson from my Japanese boyfriend many moons ago. Of course, it was a short grain rice we were using but it hasn't failed me yet with basmati

[@TheSpiceClub]

Hi Fevkin! That's great to hear. As I mentioned, there are so many methods and approaches to cooking rice. No right or wrong - though this recipe is a fantastic way to infuse spices to yield incredibly aromatic and fragrant rice - let me know if you try it! 🙂 Best, Monica

[@blackgown7485]

This is how i make mine...once its boiled i put it low with the lid fully on...

[@ChrisBanda]

Great video! also you're wearing what looks like a classic Casio digital watch in 2021 and not the ubiquitous Apple watch, a cultured woman. I like it!

[@cw4596]

Thank you, great video. Lovely voice.

[@TheSpiceClub]

My pleasure! Monica

[@monique5579]

Thanks 🙏🏽! God’s blessings to you and your family.

[@belgiquevlog4]

Nice one!

[@jerrychetty2524]

Thank you for your post and I will be cooking my rice this way but I use normal long grain rice, is the method same or do I increase the time limit?

[@elliotp1973]

Thanks.

[@bevmchugh5903]

Wonderful video ! Just one question, after rinsing rice do you soak before cooking? Is it necessary? Thank you

[@JESUS-xz3xs]

What a BEAUTIFUL dish :-)

[@TheSpiceClub]

Pleased you enjoyed!

[@TSIRHCSEVAS]

Amazing. Love from 🇦🇱

[@ibrariqbal4724]

I’ll be trying this today. I have never cooked rice perfectly before :(

[@woodnuub7626]

It works!

[@TheSpiceClub]

🙂🙂🙂

[@KusineroNovoRecords]

So love Indian food, so lovely specially you.. My favorites are Chicken & Mutton Biryani, Chicken and Mutton Kadai and Chicken 65 and Chapati. Love here from Kuwait to Philippines. Chef Rob

[@surfr4life919]

Great video presented by a natural teacher. I have to ask, how fireproof are your hands, because you grabbed the pan moments after turning off the heat? 😬

[@JohnDoe-xo2yf]

Chef hands

[@TheSpiceClub]

Ha! I have chef hands indeed. Thanks for your kind feedback 😊

[@kendracunningham5847]

nice

[@seraph1933]

may I ask where I can purchase the pan she is using for this rice?

[@anyadarlingg]

Would this be effective with long grain white rice ?

[@kamalsirihewabaddege3226]

Thank you for the nice method of cooking rice. I always thought draining water in other cooking methods wastes useful nutrients.

[@s1ngularityxd64]

😋yummy

[@roche1961]

Was going to try curry leaves instead of bay… wanted to add roasted peanuts would you add those at end or toss in early along with spices?

[@mctransportation9831]

I never knew I'd been doing it wrong my whole life, till a friend of mine gave me some home home cooked indian food she'd cooked. Then I found your video.

[@waymilky442]

What's the wrong way?

[@derryXDINES]

I never have luck cooking basmati rice, so I'm going to try this technique. Excellent video!

[@TheSpiceClub]

Thanks Jerry! Keep us posted with how you get on with recipe in your own kitchen. Monica

[@verandaarmstead4732]

Can you cook the rice with the spices grounded?

[@dfalco2138]

Everyone has their own opinion, I suppose. Mine is that I enjoyed your video, your manner, the information you shared. And I truly appreciate being shown how to make basmati rice, which I love. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@TheSpiceClub]

My pleasure! I love basmati rice too. Monica

[@hivona]

What kind of pan is that? What key words should I look for? Wide sauce pan?? Thanks in advance!

[@godschild5587]

Remember guys rice and water ratio is different depends on the rice, read the label of your rice.

[@fcukwork]

What a beautiful Indian lady ❤️😍

[@natalielobodzinski4231]

what does the cup Measure for the rice please is it 180 or more just so i can work out what size one cup is please

[@rosalopez6806]

If I am using ground Cardamon how much do I use for the portion you have made on this video?

[@jamesgaul3544]

Will using Jasmine Rice be just as good??!

[@lafylife7373]

hello, can I use olive oil for this?

[@kellimatz]

Is this method strictly for Basmati rice or can you use it for plain long grain rice?

[@margaretlarriva4573]

Do you use white or brown rice

[@explorer4x480]

This recipe was perfect, I just cooked the perfect rice, I've always messed it up. Thank you very much.

[@TheSpiceClub]

So happy to hear that! 🙂

[@Anakinuk007]

What is that pan called? I can only find frying pans with lids. Would be useful to know approx size requirements of pan to get too, thanks..

[@TheSpiceClub]

Hi! It is just a wide stainless steel sautée pan. The one I used is 10" in diameter and is approx 2.5" in height. Hope this helps! Monica

[@adamthemute]

I love this method! Perfect rice every time. Mine doesn't end up looking like yours at the end with the grains standing up though. Would that be due to not high enough simmering (I'm maybe cooking it a bit too low)? Just made a batch with bay leaves, 2 tsp coriander, 1 tsp fennel seed, 1 tsp oregano, 1 cinnamon stick,1/2 tsp chili flakes, fresh garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth (VS water) and a can of chick peas. Fresh chives and cilantro in at the end.

[@BrianDeParma]

Hello, thank you for the clear explanation! I have a couple of questions though: -Is it ok to use extra virgin olive oil? That's the only type of oil that enters my Mediterranean house... -In some other videos, people add the rice to cold water and they bring it to a boil, while you add it to boiling water. Do you think it makes a difference?

[@WeCannotEattheCow]

Stop eating olive oil. You'll feel much better 💛

[@ei6728]

@@WeCannotEattheCow you're clueless

[@WeCannotEattheCow]

@@ei6728 my point exactly ;)

[@mrslavanderblu]

Wow. Basmati is a different animal. You could never cook jasmine rice this way. I enjoyed learning this technique and am looking forward to trying this on my next pan of basmati. Thank you for this video.

[@TheSpiceClub]

My pleasure! Yes basmati rice really requires some TLC. Do keep us posted with how you get on making basmati rice with this recipe 😊. Monica

[@Andrewtmcb]

Can we use rice cooker?

[@sumi8032]

So lehrreich!

[@LookintomyBarrel]

Thanks Lovely Lady

[@blackgown7485]

I need help when i make meat pilau with potatoes. It always comes out mushy...i half cook my potatoes or maybe more then i add the rice...ive never meassured my rice with pilau as its difficult because your actually adding it to the main stock with meat. Because of the potatoes when the rice starts boiling i see alot of starch building up....drives me crazy! What's the best way to prevent this from happening?

[@ericwalker2172]

Hi I’ve been following your Chanel for a while now it’s great well done I’m struggling with the rice though mine keeps sticking to the pan and it’s quite sticky even after the resting time is it to much oil or and it seems a bit wet as well I’ve tried cooking it longer and used different pan’s but it’s still the same and disappointing yet I’ve followed the recipe exactly 🤔🤔🤔👍

[@TheSpiceClub]

Hi Eric! Can I ask what type of rice you are using?

[@ericwalker2172]

@@TheSpiceClub just super market basmati rice should I use Tilda or more expensive rice thinking about it I might have put to much oil in the pan would that make it stick to the bottom and make it sticky thanks for getting back to me