Rice is one of the most significant crop of India .India is the world's largest producer of white rice.Being a tropical plant ,it flourishes well in hot and humid climate mainly prevailing in India.Rice cultivation in India contributes to the national economy and rice is a staple food in India especially in Eastern and Southern part of the country .The major rice growing states of India are West Bengal,Orissa,Bihar,Chattisgarh,Uttar Pradesh,Punjab,Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu .
There are varieties of rices grown in India like Paddy rice,White rice,Polish rice,Puffed Rice and more.The one rice that is known for its peculiar aroma,texture ,taste and a pretty name is Basmati Rice,cultivated in Northern Punjab state of India and Pakistan .Basmati in Sanskrit literally means "fragrant". This rice was cultivated in India since centuries .
Basmati rice is used extensively in Indian/Bangladeshi/Pakistani/Middle Eastern/Arab/Persian cuisines . I LOVE basmati rice but if you ask me,I will call it an exotic rice , I personally don't feel basmati rice goes well with our traditional Kerala curries other than non-vegetarian curries (that too only egg,chicken or mutton recipes).However,when it comes to North Indian curries ,Basmati rice rocks.
At my home,amma used to make Vegetable Pulao/Pulav with basmati rice mostly and mostly during special occasions only as we use our Kerala rice or any parboil rice for regular use.So,the aroma of Basmati rice gives me a special nostalgia as well.
Did you know ?
Basmati rice is quite healthy when compared to other rice .
Look at the nutrition facts of the Basmati rice :
How is Basmati rice cooked ?
Basmati rice can be cooked in many ways and when cooked,they should be long,firm and not sticky with each other i.e. separated and I am going to share my THREE ways to cook Basmati rice aptly at home without any rice cooker -
- Basmati rice cooked on stove top
- Basmati rice cooked in microwave
- Basmati Rice cooked in pressure cooker '
Wow,I always thought rice is not that good for health like has fattening effect ,but now I know,there is one pretty good rice,the basmati rice full of health benefits and controls weight as well .Being a Mallu/Keralite,Rice is our weakness and being partially North Indian,Basmati rice is exclusively my weakness as well especially with non-vegetarian curries.Now,I can cook and eat rice carefree !
Jai ho Baahishmati....oops Basmati !
REFERENCES : Livingstrong.com ,drhealthbenefits.com, ,tilda.com