Sella rice is a popular type of rice commonly used in cooking Biryani, a flavorful and aromatic rice dish. The unique characteristic of sella rice lies in its long grain and non-sticky texture, making it an ideal choice for preparing biryani. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore the process of cooking sella rice for biryani, ensuring an outcome of perfectly fluffy and fragrant rice that will complement your biryani dish.
Gather the Required Ingredients
Before diving into the process, let’s gather the necessary ingredients to cook sella rice for biryani. You will need:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of sella rice
– 4 cups of water
– 1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) or oil
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 2-3 cardamom pods
– 2-3 cloves
– Salt to taste
– Saffron strands (optional)
– Warm milk (to soak the saffron strands, if using)
– Chopped fresh coriander leaves (for garnishing)
Wash and Soak the Rice
To start the process, take 2 cups of sella rice and rinse it under cold water. This step helps remove any impurities or excess starch present on the rice. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.
Once the rice is washed, proceed to soak it in water for about 30 minutes. This soaking process aids in achieving the perfect fluffy texture while cooking.
Prepare the Rice
After 30 minutes of soaking, drain the rice well, ensuring all the water is completely drained off. Set the drained rice aside.
Boil Water
In a large saucepan or pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. You can adjust the amount of water based on the specific instructions provided on your packet of sella rice, as it may vary depending on the brand.
Add Spices and Salt
While the water is boiling, add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves to infuse the liquid with their lovely flavors. Additionally, sprinkle some salt into the water according to your taste preferences. Stir the water gently to distribute the spices and salt evenly.
Add Sella Rice
Once the water has come to a rolling boil and the spices are well infused, carefully add the drained sella rice to the pot. Give it a gentle stir to ensure all the rice is submerged in the water evenly.
Cook on Low Heat
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. This will allow the rice to cook gently, absorbing the flavors from the spices and maintaining its fluffiness. Let the rice simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. Avoid opening the lid frequently as it can interfere with the cooking process.
Check for Doneness
After 20 minutes, check if the rice is cooked to perfection. Take a fork or a spoon and gently fluff the rice to separate the grains. The rice should be tender, yet each grain should remain intact. If the rice is not cooked enough, cover the pot and let it cook for a few more minutes.
Optional Saffron Infusion
For an added touch of luxury and a beautiful golden color, you can infuse saffron into your cooked sella rice. Soak a small pinch of saffron strands in warm milk for a few minutes until they release their vibrant hue. Then, drizzle this saffron-infused milk over the cooked rice and gently mix it in, ensuring an even distribution.
Fluff and Serve
Finally, using a fork or a spatula, gently fluff the rice to separate the grains and release any steam. This will prevent the rice from clumping together. Sprinkle some freshly chopped coriander leaves on top for a burst of freshness and aroma.
Your perfectly cooked sella rice for biryani is now ready to be served alongside your choice of aromatic biryani dish. Its fluffy texture and fragrant aroma will undoubtedly elevate the flavors of your favorite biryani preparations.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and each brand of sella rice may have slightly different cooking requirements. So, don’t hesitate to adapt the cooking time or water ratio based on the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. With this step-by-step guide, you are now well-equipped to master the art of cooking sella rice for biryani – a staple dish loved by many!