Rice Staple Dish Of India Recipes

RICE - STAPLE DISH OF INDIA

Steps:

• Ratio of rice to water when the quantity of rice increases: 2 cups rice: 3 3/4 cups water 3 cups rice: 5 1/2 cups water Method 1: Put water to boil.
• In the meanwhile wash the rice 3 times.
• When the water starts boiling add rice and salt.
• Check in 10 mins to see if the rice is cooked.
• The grains should be still firm but not raw.
• Break the grain between your fingers to check.
• Drain by covering with a fitting but flat lid and invert over the sink (as we do it) We then leave the inverted vessel for a good ten minutes to make sure all the water has drained.
• Or you can also drain in a colander as you drain pasta.
• (add some oil if you are doing it this way) Straighten and the rice is ready to serve.
• Method 2 Wash 1 cup of rice really well till the rice water is absolutely clear.
• (in a thick bottomed vessel- I use a non stick casserole) Now drain all the water and add 2 cups of water and 1 tsp salt (or according to taste) Bring to a boil on high heat.
• Stir once.
• Reduce flame to low and cover and simmer for 10-15 mins or till the top of the rice gets holey (small pits are formed in the rice) and when the vessel is tilted you do not see any water (totally dry).
• Loosen the rice when hot with the back of a serving spoon.
• Tip: YOu can add a few drops of lime to the water when you put the rice to boil with the salt.
• It helps to separate the grains.

INDIAN-SPICED RICE WITH LENTILS

Steps:

• Rinse lentils; drain. Place in small bowl. Rinse rice; drain. Place in another small bowl. Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cinnamon, cloves, and cumin; sauté about 2 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; sauté about 30 seconds. Add water, salt, sugar, and turmeric; bring to boil. Reduce heat; add lentils and cook 8 minutes. Increase heat to high. Add rice and boil 5 minutes. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until lentils and rice are tender and liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes longer. Remove from heat; let stand covered 5 minutes. Transfer rice to large bowl. Remove cinnamon stick pieces and cloves. Mix in cilantro and lime juice.
• Basmati rice is available at Indian markets and some supermarkets.

INDIAN STYLE BASMATI RICE

Steps:

• Place rice into a bowl with enough water to cover. Set aside to soak for 20 minutes.
• Heat the oil in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and cumin seed. Cook and stir for about a minute, then add the onion to the pot. Saute the onion until a rich golden brown, about 10 minutes. Drain the water from the rice, and stir into the pot. Cook and stir the rice for a few minutes, until lightly toasted. Add salt and water to the pot, and bring to a boil. Cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all of the water has been absorbed. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.