Basmati Rice

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Wash rice in several changes of water, rubbing grains and letting them settle before pouring off water, until water runs clear. Drain well in a sieve.

2. To cook on stovetop:

   Step 2

   Bring rice and water to a boil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan. Reduce heat to very low and cook, covered, until water is absorbed and rice is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

   Step 3

   Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 10 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.

3. To cook in microwave:

   Step 4

   Put rice and water in a 3-quart microwave-safe dish and cook, uncovered, on high power 15 minutes, or until steam holes appear in rice. Cover dish with a microwave-safe lid or plate and cook on high 5 minutes more.

   Step 5

   Let rice stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.

   Step 6

   If using rice for preceding fried-rice recipe, chill, covered, 8 hours.