Help! I can’t cook rice!

dbrookf

My basmati rice always ends up soggy and mushy - what am I doing wrong?! Any foolproof methods please?

VfM4meplse

dbrookf wrote: »

My basmati rice always ends up soggy and mushy - what am I doing wrong?! Any foolproof methods please?

Water to rice ratio of 2:1 by volume. Simples.

bouicca21

Add enough water to come about an inch above the rice; boil without a lid until the surface is puckered and looks like a moonscape; put lid on saucepan and reduce to v low heat; leave it steaming like that for approx 15 minutes.

satay2

Make sure you rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
I use a microwave rice cooker which takes 10 minutes to cook then 5 minutes to stand to finish cooking.
In a pan I do the same boil/ simmer for around 10 minutes, you do need a good fitting lid or the steam escapes and the rice will dry. Leave to stand then fluff with a fork.
Hope this helps 😊

Doom_and_Gloom

Rice cooker or a multi cooker with a rice cooking setting (mine does white, quick white rice and brown rice). I would not be without it. Makes life so simple. Measure as stated in manual and turn on. No worries about boiling over or burning as when finished goes onto a warm function.

Ilona

As I don't eat much rice, I can't be bothered to cook it any longer. I buy the vacuum packed ready cooked from Aldi. One bag makes three meals, keep it in the fridge once opened. Three minutes in a small pan with a little oil, throw in anything else that needs using up.

ilona

-taff

The instructions on the side of the packet usually work...

timehastoldme

Seconded on the microwave rice cooker, we have the sistema one. 2:1 water:rice, 12 minutes for a full cup and perfect rice every time.

buildersdaughter

bouicca21 wrote: »

Add enough water to come about an inch above the rice; boil without a lid until the surface is puckered and looks like a moonscape; put lid on saucepan and reduce to v low heat; leave it steaming like that for approx 15 minutes.

I do something similar:
I follow the old advice to place the tip of my index finger on the rice, and have the water come up to the first knuckle.
I bring to the boil, then turn off (or down to lowest on induction hob) and put a folded, clean tea towel over the top.
I leave for about 20 minutes, but actually it will sit there for ages.

kazwookie

Buy the rice in a bag about 50p to 70p, cut the top off, place in microwave for 2 mins, tip out on plate and eat.

JulieM

Are you stirring it too much as it cooks? That can break down the grains and make it go mushy.

I find that Tilda basmati rice works best, it costs more than some of the others but you can usually find it on offer somewhere. I also find I get better results in a non stick saucepan than a heavy bottomed stainless steel one.