3 Ways to prepare Basmati Rice

Rice Pilaf 

To compliment flavourful dishes such as curry, or to serve with freshly prepared vegetables follow this recipe for a fluffy and functional side dish.

2 small knobs of butter

1 onion, small dice

1 large bay leaf

1 cup of basmati rice, unwashed

1 1/2 cups of water. 

Over low/medium heat — melt 1 small knob of butter in a medium sauce pan, then add diced onion, bay leaf and cook until translucent and fragrant. Be patient, and keep the heat low so that the onions don’t burn.

Then, supplement the pan with another knob of butter, and add the rice to lightly fry — 30 seconds or less. 

Add the water, and increase the heat until pot starts to simmer. Give the rice mixture one final stir, then reduce the heat, cover, and wait 18 minutes. 

Remove lid, fluff with fork and let stand or another 2-3 minutes, then serve. 

For rice that is silky smooth, try adding a high fat coconut milk to enjoy a Thai inspired style of rice — Coconut Rice

Prepare the onions and bay leaf as per the instructions for rice pilaf. Add 1 cup of coconut milk and and 1/2 cup of water, stir, bring to boil then cover, and reduce to low for 18 minutes. Fluff with a fork, let stand for 2-3 minutes then serve.

Coconut rice cools off hot dishes and is a delicious variation on an inexpensive favourite.

Chicken Fried Rice

Prepare the onions and bay leaf as per the instructions for rice pilaf. Add 1 and 1/2 cups water, bring to boil then cover, and reduce to low for 18 minutes.

 In a separate oven to stovetop safe dish such as a cast iron frying pan — prepare and cook bone in, skin on chicken thighs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees farenheit 

When the chicken is finished cooking, remove from pan and pour cooked rice mixture into oven and stovetop safe dish on low heat. Cover and toss to coat then serve delicious homemade chicken friend rice.