What is long grain rice, basmati chawal, basmati rice?

Long-grained rice refers to Oriental varieties with long, slender grains. The best known variety is Basmati, an aromatic, fragrant, long grain, slender rice, with a nutty flavour.

'Basmati', when literally translated from Hindi, means 'queen of fragrance'. It is considered one of the best varieties of rice in the world, and has been exported to several countries for centuries. Authentic Basmati rice is sourced from the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India. Whilst Basmati rice can be sourced from India and Pakistan, Indian Basmati is traditionally considered premium.
The colour of Basmati is translucent, creamy white. Brown Basmati Rice is also available but the most commonly used is white Basmati. The grain is long (6.61 - 7.5 mm) or very long (more than 7.50 mm and 2 mm breadth). The length-to-width ratio is another criterion to identify Basmati rice. This needs to be over 3.0 in order to qualify as Basmati. Above all, the grains must also be properly aged to reduce their moisture content in order to obtain the perfect aroma and flavour.

Basmati generally comes as dry, separate grains. Upon cooking, the texture becomes tender but remains firm without splitting, and it is non-sticky. The rice elongates almost twice upon cooking but does not fatten much. The aroma is also significant.

There are many varieties of Basmati rice in India, including certain bogus ones. But, it is difficult to identify the original ones until you have experienced it!

Broken long grain rice

Soaked and cooked long grain rice

The rice needs to be soaked for 20-30 minutes. Then, the soaking water is discarded and twice the amount of water by volume is added to the rice for cooking. It can be cooked in a pressure cooker or in a pan. It can also be cooked by adding 3-4 times the water in a pan and draining the excess water once cooked. Always boil the rice just a little less than done, to keep the grain whole and separate. Take a grain between your thumb and index finger and press. If it breaks on pressing but does not leave a hard speck, then it is done.

Soaked long grain rice

Soaking the rice beforehand helps in giving a fine texture to the cooked rice and also saves on cooking time. Rice should be rinsed in water 3 to 4 times till the water becomes clear. Then the rice should be soaked in at least twice the amount of water for 20-30 minutes. Drain the water and use as required.

How to select long grain rice, basmati chawal, basmati rice

• Basmati rice is available pre-packaged as well as in bulk containers.
• If purchasing pre-packaged rice, check to see if there is a "use-by" date on the package since long grain rice, owing to its natural oils, has the potential to become rancid if kept too long.
• Just as with any other food that you may purchase in the bulk section, make sure that the bins containing the rice are covered and that the store has a good product turnover so as to ensure its maximal freshness.
• Whether purchasing rice in bulk or in a packaged container, make sure that there is no evidence of moisture, contamination with stones and debris, or infestation by insects.

Culinary Uses of long grain rice, basmati chawal, basmati rice in Indian Cooking

• The rice is fluffy and dry and the grains do not stick together after it is cooked.
• Steaming, boiling and baking are excellent preparation methods for Basmati rice, which can be used in pulaos, salads and a variety of cooked dishes.
• Basmati rice combines well with sauces and curries.
• It is also perfect for biryani and pulaos.
• Kheer, Sweet Saffron Rice and Phirni may be prepared as desserts.
• Heat cooked rice with milk or soymilk. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins and honey for a delicious rice pudding.
• Use leftover Basmati rice for cold rice salads that are great for on-the-go lunches.
• Be creative and add tofu plus your favourite vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices.
• For a simple yet delicious lunch or dinner entrée, serve beans and rice accompanied by the vegetables of your choice.
• Basmati rice can be spruced up with toppings of your choice such as nuts, sesame seeds and healthy sautéed mushrooms.
• Place Basmati rice and chopped vegetables in pita bread, top with your favourite dressing, and enjoy a quick and easy lunch meal.

Quick Indian recipe using long grained rice, Basmati rice

Recipes ready in minutes, using long grained rice. When short of time or you getting late for work, these pulao recipes would speed up your time and make it easier and quick.

1. Vegetable Pulao loaded with veggies and flavoured subtly with a fine choice of spices, the Vegetable Pulao is one dish that is famous all over the world.

2. Corn Methi Pulao sweetness of corn and the innate bitterness of methi complement each other well in this pulao.

3. Cabbage Rice a quick-fix but filling dinner! sliced capsicum and a very mild dose of pepper are the only flavouring agents in this gentle rice.

4. Baked Beans with Buttered Rice a pungent topping of baked beans, onions, capsicum and ketchup complements the buttered rice very well.

5. Khumb Pulao succulent mushrooms with zesty spring onions, perked up with spices and powders make a delicious Khumb Pulao that will be loved by the whole family.

How to store long grain rice, basmati chawal, basmati rice

• Since rice features an oil-rich germ, it is susceptible to becoming rancid.
• Store in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place rather than the refrigerator.

Health benefits of long grain rice, basmati chawal, basmati rice

Here are the pros for rice. Rice is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which is an important source of energy for our body. Moreover it is gluten free. Rice is low in fibre and therefore a good option for people suffering from diarrhoea. But rice is a good source of protein and B vitamins.

What's not good in rice. Foods like rice are high in Glycemic index are not suitable for weight loss, heart patients, diabetics as they affect the blood sugar control levels. However if rice is combined with high protein or high fibre foods, the glycemic load can be balanced. Thus its combo is a better choice as we have done in the recipe of panch dhan khichdi and toovar dal khichdi. See details of is white rice and parboiled rice good for you?

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