Basmati Rice vs. Jasmine Rice

 Basmati rice (baz-MAH-tee) is a type of white rice generally developed in the Himalayas, India, and Pakistan--with India producing about two-thirds of the world's supply. It's a long-grain rice that is characterized by a mild nutty flavor and floral aroma, and it's popular in rice pilaf and as a side dish . Rice is generally classified by size into three groups--long-grain, medium-grain, and short-grain. Basmati shares the long-grain group with jasmine rice and American long grain. Jasmine rice is most commonly grown and eaten in Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. While it's similarly fragrant to basmati rice, it's a lot stickier in texture. Basmati rice tends to get fluffy, clean grains, lacking the starch of rice. VarietiesBasmati rice is generally available in brown and white varieties. White basmati rice is more common, but brown basmati rice is seen at many health food shops. Brown rice is higher in fiber and has a nuttier, more intense flavor with a milder feel. It also has a more cooking time than white rice. How to Cook With Basmati Rice. Home cooks have different tips for cooking perfect rice, but a few measures tend to be included each time. Rinse basmati rice till the water runs mostly clear, allowing it to drain well. A normal rice to liquid ratio is 1- to 1 1/2. Some recipes call for the rice to be soaked first, making it more tender, but it is not required. Basmati rice is very popular served with different Indian curries, as the fluffy grains happily sop up sauces. It is also popular for making rice pilaf, a side dish of grains cooked in a flavored stock and aromatics with different ingredients chucked like nuts. Pilafs probably originated in India but quickly disperse and are now common in many areas of the world. What Does It Taste Like? It's still mild compared to other, more flavorful ingredients, but has a fragrant aroma. When cooked properly, the tender grains stay individual and lack stickiness. The rice pairs well with mild and tasty curries and dishes, complementing but not overshadowing. Basmati Rice RecipesBasmati rice produces a tasty side for flavorful dishes or can be spruced up a bit with spices and aromatics. It's ideal for pilafs or making tahdig, a crispy Persian rice dish. Where to Buy Basmati RiceBasmati rice can be found with all the other dry grains in the supermarket. It is often offered in bags of various sizes, from small, 1-pound bags up to 20-pound bags. In addition, it can be present in bulk bins, priced per oz. Basmati rice is more expensive than American long-grain white rice, together with the cost varying depending upon the quality. For the highest quality, look for basmati rice offered in fabric packaging (not plastic) branded extra-long grain. High-quality imported rice can frequently be found in specialty and international markets, or purchased online. Aged basmati rice will result in a much better texture and taste, and is off-white or golden in colour rather than stark white. Avoid rice with a grey hue. The grains should be slightly tapered on the ends rather than level. Storage Basmati rice could be left in its original packaging if it's tightly sealed and kept in a cool, dark place. It needs to be used within a few months. For longer storage (up to a year), store in an airtight plastic or glass container. Brown basmati rice should be kept in an airtight container and will last for a couple weeks at the pantry. Stash it in the freezer for longer shelf life. For best results, disperse any leftover cooked rice onto a baking sheet into one layer to cool. Add to a airtight container and use within a couple of days. Nutrition and Benefits1 cup of basmati rice contains 210 calories and is fat free.1 It supplies 17 percent of the suggested daily consumption of carbs and 5 grams of protein. Brown basmati rice is significantly high in dietary fiber, contributing 28 percent of the suggested daily consumption.