Plain Basmati Rice is a staple in Hare Krishna cuisine, often served alongside a variety of delicious sabjis, dals, and chutneys. This fragrant and fluffy rice is prepared with love and devotion, making it a perfect offering to Krishna. In Hare Krishna temples and devotee homes, basmati rice is cooked in several ways, each method enhancing its natural aroma and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Plain Basmati Rice pairs wonderfully with most any Indian dish, enhancing the overall meal experience. You can cook it in addition to other rice preparations to cater to those who may prefer plain rice over some other type of rice preparation. Here are some example accompaniments for inspiration:
- Toor Dal Fry: A comforting and flavorful lentil dish that pairs perfectly with basmati rice.
- Green Bean Poriyal: A simple and nutritious side dish made with green beans and coconut.
- Aloo Gobi (Cauliflower Potato Subzi): A delicious vegetable curry that complements the subtle flavors of basmati rice.
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side dish that balances the warmth of other dishes.
These combinations make for a balanced and satisfying meal, fostering a sense of community and togetherness when shared with fellow devotees.
Bhakti Thought
Plain Basmati Rice is more than just a side dish; it is a symbol of simplicity, purity, and devotion. By preparing and offering this rice to Krishna, we engage in the sacred practice of bhakti, transforming a simple act of cooking into a spiritual experience. May your kitchen be filled with the blessings of Krishna, and may your heart be ever devoted to His loving service.
PrintBasmati Rice
Plain Basmati Rice is a fundamental dish in Hare Krishna cuisine, enjoyed by many devotees and visitors to Hare Krishna temples worldwide. This fragrant and fluffy rice is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a divine offering. In the tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, cooking and offering food to Krishna is an act of love and devotion, known as bhakti. Each dish is prepared with care, mindfulness, and a pure heart, making it not just a meal but a spiritual offering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 1x
- Category: Rice
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 tsp ghee or oil (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
Traditional Indian Method:
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Soak the Rice: Soak the rinsed rice in water for 30 minutes. This helps the grains to expand and cook evenly.
- Boil the Water: In a medium saucepan, bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil. If using, add ghee or oil and salt to the water.
- Cook the Rice: Add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling water. Stir once to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Temple Method:
- Rinse and Soak: Follow the same rinsing and soaking steps as above.
- Boil in Excess Water: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of water to a boil (approximately 4-5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice).
- Cook the Rice: Add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling water. Cook the rice uncovered until it is just tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the Rice: Drain the cooked rice using a colander, and rinse briefly with warm water to remove excess starch.
- Steam: Return the drained rice to the pot, cover, and let it steam on very low heat for 5 minutes to ensure the grains are fluffy and separated.
Rice Cooker Method:
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Add to Rice Cooker: Add the rinsed rice and 1.5 cups of water to the rice cooker. If using, add ghee or oil and salt.
- Cook the Rice: Set the rice cooker to the ‘Cook’ setting. Once the rice cooker switches to ‘Warm’, let the rice sit for another 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Instant Pot Method:
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Add to Instant Pot: Add the rinsed rice and 1.25 cups of water to the Instant Pot. If using, add ghee or oil and salt.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: For added aroma, you can add whole spices such as cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, or cloves to the boiling water.
- Perfect White Rice: Adding a little lime juice to the boiling rice will make the rice perfectly white and polished looking, just like at a 5-star Indian restaurant.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the rice to avoid overcooking, which can make it mushy.
- Saving Burnt Rice: If your rice is a little burnt, placing a piece of bread over the rice can help absorb the burnt flavor.
- Mushy Rice Tip: If the rice gets too mushy or a little burned, you can turn it into dahi rice (yogurt rice) quite easily. Simply mix the rice with yogurt and a bit of salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0gm
- Sodium: 0gm
- Fat: .5gm
- Saturated Fat: .5gm
- Unsaturated Fat: 0gm
- Trans Fat: 0gm
- Carbohydrates: 46gm
- Fiber: .7gm
- Protein: 4gm
- Cholesterol: 0gm