Perfectly Fluffy Oven-Finished Basmati Rice

1. Wash the Rice

Thoroughly wash the rice in a bowl of water, swishing it around with your hand until the water runs clear. This step is crucial as it removes the excess starch, which helps achieve that perfectly fluffy texture.

2. Soak the Rice

Soak the washed rice by covering it with water about an inch above the surface of the rice. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Soaking softens the grains and shortens the cooking time, ensuring the rice cooks evenly.

3. Boil the Rice

While the rice is soaking, bring a quart of salted water to a rolling boil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Once the water is boiling, drain the soaked rice and carefully add it to the pot. Cook the rice for 6 to 7 minutes. The goal here is to par-cook the rice until it is al dente, meaning the grains should still be slightly firm in the center. This step is important to ensure the rice finishes cooking evenly in the oven.

4. Drain and Mound the Rice

Drain the rice well using a colander and then mound it back into the pot.

5. Add Butter Mixture

In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1.5 tablespoons of milk or water until the butter is fully melted. Pour this butter mixture over the mounded rice, which will add richness and moisture to the final dish.

6. Bake the Rice

Cover the pot tightly with foil or a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam. This step is critical as it allows the rice to steam gently and evenly in the oven. Place the covered pot in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 15 minutes. You'll know it's done when you see steam escaping from the pot, indicating that the rice is perfectly cooked and fluffy.