If you want to make the best rice possible, then you need to get the best rice cookers for basmati rice. These cookers are designed specifically for cooking basmati rice and take the guesswork out of making perfect-textured rice every time.
One of the most popular brands of rice cookers is Zojirushi. They are known for their fuzzy logic technology, which adjusts the heating and cooking times so that you can have perfectly cooked rice.
Top Picks for Best Rice Cookers For Basmati Rice, Jasmine Rice and More
What is Basmati Rice?
Basmati is a type of aromatic long-grain rice traditionally grown in India and Pakistan in the foothills of the Himalayas. It has a toasty fragrance similar to popcorn and a light, nutty flavor that’s ideal for many Indian and Middle Eastern dishes like fluffy side-dish pilafs or meat-flecked biryani.
It’s a staple in Indian and Asian cuisines and accounts for about two-thirds of the world’s supply. It’s often served with curry dishes as a side, and its tender grains sop up sauces with ease.
According to Agrawal, the best quality rice is labeled “very long grain” or a variant that’s slightly tapered at the end (it should be golden in color rather than stark white). High-quality basmati undergoes a two-year aging process designed to dry it completely for optimal cooking results.
A good tip is to rinse the rice several times until the water runs clear, then soak it for a few minutes before cooking. This releases excess starch, which prevents the rice from sticking together during cooking.
To cook, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the rice and stir. Cover tightly, and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. You may want to adjust the amount of water depending on how much you’re cooking. Generally, a ratio of 1 to 1 1/2 cups water to rice is the standard. You can also use a rice cooker if you’re in a hurry, but it’s better to prepare the rice in a saucepan first.
What Is Rice Cooker?
A rice cooker is an electric countertop appliance that automatically cooks a variety of types of rice, including basmati, white, brown, and even sushi rice. While it does not replace your stovetop, a good rice cooker can save you time and make the cooking process more enjoyable.
Most rice cookers have a pot with a lid, a heating element, and a thermometer that monitors the temperature of the rice as it cooks. Some models also have a steamer tray that can be used to cook other foods.
Some modern rice cookers have programmable interfaces that allow users to program their cookers to cook different types of rice and other foods. These can be incredibly useful for creative cooks who want to make porridge, congee, or one-pot meals.
For example, a fuzzy logic rice cooker can react to the cooking water temperature and automatically adjust the amount of liquid required for a particular type of rice, or it can delay the time the rice is cooked until a specific time period passes. In addition to rice, you can use a rice cooker to cook other grains such as quinoa, barley, and farro.
Some best rice cookers for basmati rice also come with a special measuring cup that is designed to measure the amount of rice that needs to be prepared. This can help you ensure that your finished product is perfect. However, the best way to get the most out of your rice cooker is to follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Features of Rice Cookers For Basmati Rice
A good rice cooker should be easy to use and have a number of features that help you make the best basmati rice. These include fuzzy logic, which adjusts the cooking time and temperature to ensure your rice is cooked evenly without being overcooked or undercooked.
A more sophisticated rice cooker should also have a nonstick cooking pot that prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom and burning. This will ensure that your rice cooks quickly and is fluffy.
The next step up is a machine that uses “fuzzy logic” to automatically adjust the cook time and temperature to keep your rice from being too overcooked or undercooked. These machines tend to cost more, but they’re worth it for foolproof rice-cooking and the ability to prepare meals in advance.
Unlike cheaper models, these more expensive rice cookers usually feature multiple cook settings and have more complicated digital controls. Some even have pressure-cooking functions, which allow the rice to cook more quickly and prevent it from becoming too sticky or crunchy.
This model from Aroma Housewares has a number of presets and can cook rice, brown rice, mixed grains, oats, and porridge. It also includes a steaming basket and a delay timer. It’s a great option for people who want a simple, multi-functional machine that can do a lot of different things but don’t have the money for a more expensive rice cooker.
How to Use Rice Cookers For Basmati Rice?
Cooking basmati rice in a rice cooker is easy. All you need is a pot, a rice cooker, and a few simple ingredients (rice, water, salt) to get started.
Before cooking, rinse your rice under cool water in a colander or in your rice-washing bowl before adding it to the cooker. This helps dirty water and grit pass through the rice and prevents it from sticking to the interior of your cooker.
Place the soaked rice and water in your cooker, then turn on the device. It should take between 12 and 15 minutes to cook.
Once it’s done, the rice should be light and fluffy. It’s ready to serve with your favorite curry or dal!
You can also add flavorings like saffron, cardamom seeds, and bay leaves to the rice at this point. It will help enhance the flavour and color of your rice.
For best results, use 1-1/2 to 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of dry rice. Using too much water can result in a sticky rice that’s difficult to absorb.
To serve, fluff the rice with a fork and serve it with your favorite curry or dal. It’s a perfect way to satisfy your appetite and keep you full for hours.
How to Choose Rice Cookers For Basmati Rice?
There are many rice cookers on the market that cook basmati rice well. However, you should be careful about selecting a rice cooker that will work best for your needs. First, you should consider the amount of rice you plan to cook at one time.
This will help you choose best rice cookers for basmati rice with enough capacity to cook the quantity of rice you need without having to wait too long for it to be done. You can also consider the type of rice you plan to cook–for example, whether you want to make white, brown, or long-grain rice.
Another thing to consider is how easy the machine is to use. Some rice cookers have complex settings and buttons, while others are very simple to operate.
If you’re planning to use the rice cooker to steam food, look for a model that comes with a steamer insert. This is a plastic or metal tray that sits partway inside the cooking pot while water boils below. This can be used to steam vegetables, meat, fish, dumplings, and more.
You can also look for a digital display on the front of the rice cooker to see how much time is left before your rice is done. This can help you determine whether your recipe will be ready on time, and it can also help you keep track of how long the rice has been cooking for.
Conclusion
If you love rice but don’t like the hassle of preparing it on the stove, then a rice cooker is a good option for you. They’re easy to use and can produce perfectly cooked rice every time, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the food you’re eating.
When looking for the best rice cookers for basmati rice, you should look for a model that is durable and reliable. You also want to make sure that the pot is nonstick so you can cook rice without it sticking to the bottom and burning.
You should also look for a model that has different cooking settings so you can choose the right setting for your type of rice. You can also look for a rice cooker that has fuzzy logic, which is a feature that can automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature to give you perfect rice every time.
The Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy is one of the top rice cookers on the market, and it does a great job of cooking both long-grain and short-grain white rice. It also has a few other features that you might want in your rice cooker, such as a delay start function and keep-warm mode.
If you’re on a budget, you might want to check out the Aroma Housewares 8-Cup Rice and Grain Cooker. It’s an affordable option that can handle a lot of rice, and it’s very durable. It’s also a good choice for people who prefer to cook small quantities of rice at a time.
See also: