How To Achieve Fluffy, Non-Sticky Rice: A Step-by-step Guide By MasterChef Pankaj Bhadoria –

If you’ve ever struggled with making rice that turns out sticky and soggy, you’re not alone. Fortunately, achieving perfectly fluffy rice is possible with the right technique. MasterChef Pankaj Bhadoria recently shared a foolproof method for making non-sticky, fluffy rice that’s ideal for parties or special occasions.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making fluffy rice:

Choose the Right Rice: Start with one-and-a-half-year-old basmati rice. This variety is less sticky and swells well during cooking, resulting in fluffier grains.

Rinse the Rice: Thoroughly wash the rice with water 4-5 times. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, which can cause the rice to become sticky.

Soak the Rice: Soak the cleaned rice in fresh water for 30 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb water and swell, which helps in achieving a fluffy texture.

Prepare the Cooking Water: In a large vessel or pressure cooker, bring water to a boil. For every cup of rice, add four times the amount of water. Incorporate half a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of oil, and a few slices of lemon into the boiling water. The lemon helps keep the rice white, while the oil prevents stickiness. Salt enhances the flavour.

Cook the Rice: Add the soaked rice to the boiling water. Stir occasionally and monitor the rice. When the rice is about 90 per cent cooked, turn off the heat. Overcooking can lead to mushy rice, so be attentive to this step.

Cool the Rice: Transfer the partially cooked rice to a large plate greased with a little oil. Spread the rice out and allow it to cool. This helps the grains firm up and reduces stickiness. For added flavour, you can also add a cumin tadka.

By following these steps, you’ll avoid common issues like sogginess and stickiness, ensuring your rice turns out fluffy and fragrant. Many users have shared their positive experiences in the comments, with one noting that their rice turns out “like a blooming flower” using this method.