Perfect Basmati Rice Method

This is the best way to achieve fluffy basmati rice that I've found. From Madhur Jaffrey's World of the East Vegetarian Cooking. Doubles perfectly.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 4-6
• Yields: 5 cups (approx)

Ingredients

• 2  cups basmati rice
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Wash the rice in several changes of water & drain it.
2. Put it in a bowl with 5 cups of water and let soak for 30 minutes.
3. Drain it thoroughly & let it sit in the strainer for 10 minutes.
4. Melt butter in a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Add the drained rice.
6. Cook, stirring gently, over medium heat for about a minute, until all the grains are coated with butter.
7. Add 2 1/2 cups (1/2 litre) water & the salt.
8. Bring to a boil, cover, turn to very low & cook 20 minutes.
9. Turn off the flame & leave the pot, covered for another 10 minutes.