Plain basmati rice

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Rice should be one of the simplest things to cook, yet it took me years to truly master it. Mine was always too stodgy, undercooked or—on the worst days—completely burnt. The best tip I ever picked up came from Nigella Lawson’s At My Table: cook it on the very lowest heat. It’s such a small change, but it transformed my rice and has never failed me since.

Plain basmati rice is light, fluffy and beautifully fragrant, pairing effortlessly with curries, stews, grilled meats or veggie dishes. Soft, aromatic and perfectly separate, it’s the kind of reliable kitchen staple that rounds out any comforting meal.

Serving Suggestions for Plain Basmati Rice

  • Chicken Curry (any style) — butter chicken, makhani, madras, balti; basmati is the perfect base for saucy dishes.
  • Lamb Curry or Lamb Keema — rich, spiced lamb sits beautifully over fluffy rice.
  • Vegetable Curry — saag aloo, chana masala, mixed veg; great for lighter plates.
  • Chicken Tikka or Tandoori Chicken — charred, spiced meat with cooling yogurt on the side.
  • Stir‑Fried Vegetables — quick, fresh, and ideal for weeknights.
  • Chilli Chicken — spicy, saucy, and one of the best pairings with plain rice.
  • Beef or Chicken Fajitas — surprisingly good; the rice soaks up the juices.
  • Teriyaki Chicken or Mushrooms — glossy, sweet‑savory sauce works perfectly with basmati.
  • Dal (any type) — comforting, creamy lentils over rice = perfect.
  • Crispy Fried Eggs — chilli oil, spring onions, and herbs for a simple meal.
  • Roasted Vegetables — aubergine, peppers, courgette; add yogurt or tahini.
  • Cucumber Raita — cooling, creamy, and great with anything spicy.
  • Chickpea or Bean Curry — hearty, protein‑rich, and budget‑friendly.
  • Grilled Prawns — lemony, garlicky prawns over rice for a lighter option
Basmati plain rice

Plain basmati rice

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Course Side
Servings 4 peopl

Ingredients
  

  • 280 g basmati rice
  • 500 ml water
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • In a wide lidded sacuepan, add the rice, salt and water.
  • Bring the rice to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to the lowest setting on the smallest ring and simmer for 20mins.
  • After 20mins, check the rice, the water should have absorbed and the rice cooked through, if not, add a little more water and for for another few mins.
  • Fluff up the rice to check it's cooked through, turn off the heat and leave covered until ready to use.
  • Top tip : If you feel your rice needs a few mins longer and you need to add a little extra water, ensure the water is freshly boiled so it continues to cook.