Perfect Fluffy Basmati Rice

I have owned rice cookers, and love what they do, but it always seems labour/washing up intensive, and not that quick. I have cooked rice on the stove, but unless you keep a really close eye on it, there is always some sticking to the bottom - perfect if you are aiming for persian rice, but not great any other time. So there must be an easier way right?

The answer is (believe it or not) your microwave and 15 minutes.

I use Basmati rice, because it is low GI, and it tastes good, making it a good balancing act between kids who want to eat white rice, and adults who want to eat healthy. You can scale this up, as long as you keep the ratio the same - for every extra half cup of rice/1 cup of water, just add one minute to the cooking time. This works for a maximum of 3 cups.

Equipment:

• Microwave
• Medium sized microwave proof bowl with a pouring spout (just about every kitchen has mixing bowls with a spout) that will fit easily in your microwave
• One large plate to go underneath your bowl
• One plate that fits over the top of your bowl with a good lip you can use to lift the plate off after easily.
• A fork for stirring
• A clean tea-towel

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups cold water

Method:

1. Rinse your rice in a seive - this gets rid of excess starch, but also the soap used to wash commercially available rice.
2. Put the rice in the bowl, and add the water. Put the plates underneath and on top respectively. 
3. Place in the microwave for 12 minutes on high. 
4. Take the whole lot out of the microwave using the bottom plate. You will notice some spillover of starchy water - this is why you need the bottom plate, so you don't need to clean the microwave after.
5. Using the tea towel, lift off the top plate. Allow the first cloud of steam to escape, then stir with your fork. It may look a bit wet at this stage - don't worry.
6. Fold the tea towel in half and use it to cover the bowl. Place the plate back on top to hold the tea towel down and create a better seal. Leave for 2 minutes.
7. Stir again with your fork to fluff your rice up, and serve.