Fluffy and Fragrant Basmati Rice in just 8 Minutes

If you are looking for a simple yet delicious way to cook rice, you can make light, fluffy and fragrant rice in just 8 minutes using a few basic ingredients and a saucepan.

This recipe serves 4 people as a side dish or 2 people as a main course. You can enjoy this rice with any curry, stew, salad or grilled meat of your choice. It is also great for making fried rice or biryani. The cardamom pods and star anise add a subtle aroma and flavour to the rice, but you can also use other spices such as cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves or cumin seeds if you prefer.

I hope you found this recipe helpful and easy to follow. If you try it, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

How to Make:

Ingredients:

400 grams of basmati rice
3 cardamom pods
2 star anise
Salt and pepper to taste
600 ml water

Method:

1. Measure 400 grams of rice and rinse it with cold water to remove any dust and starch. Drain well and transfer to a saucepan.
2. Add 600 ml of water to cover the rice by about 2 cm.
3. Add the cardamom pods, star anise, salt and pepper to the rice and water mixture. 
4. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then lower to simmer and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let it simmer for 8 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring the rice (Important! Do not lift the lid).
5. After 8 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice rest for another 5 minutes with the lid on. This will allow the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and become fluffy.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and discard the cardamom pods and star anise. Serve hot or cold as you like.

Boiled rice is one of the most common and versatile foods in the world. But how did it become so popular? Here is a brief history of boiled rice.

Rice is an ancient crop that originated in Asia, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Rice was first boiled by adding water to a pot of rice grains and heating it over a fire. This method was simple and effective, but it required a lot of water and fuel.

As rice spread to other regions, different cultures developed their own ways of boiling rice. Some added salt, spices, herbs, or other ingredients to enhance the flavour and nutrition of rice. Some used less water and cooked rice until it was dry and fluffy. Some used more water and cooked rice until it was soft and sticky.

Today, boiled rice is still a staple food for many people around the world. It can be eaten plain or with various sauces, meats, vegetables, or fruits. It can also be used to make other dishes, such as fried rice, rice pudding, sushi, or risotto. Boiled rice is not only delicious, but also nutritious, as it provides carbohydrates, protein, fibre, and minerals.