India is one of the countries where rice is considered a staple food in our diet. In fact, it is so essential to our daily lives that the country is ranked second in the world for manufacturing services in the agricultural industry. Rice can be found in the market in a variety of types and shapes, and one of the most popular types is basmati rice. Basmati rice is suitable for both regular meals and special occasions. They are long, fine, soft, nutrient-rich grains that when cooked are straight and non-sticky. Both non-Indian cuisine and many Indian dishes, such as biryani or pulao, pair well with basmati rice.
We have listed the top-rated Indian brands of basmati rice below:
Daawat Rozana
Daawat Rozana basmati rice is the most well-known domestic rice brand in India. The brand was founded by Vijay Kumar Arora, who is also the chairman and managing director. Because of its premium quality, it is loved by Indian people. It is cultivated in India's Punjab province, on the Ganges Valley's fertile soil, which is nourished by Himalayan snowmelt. The refined grains and nutty flavor of this premium rice make it popular with Indian families and chefs. We should also mention that the nutritional value of Daawat Rozana basmati rice is enhanced using the unique Hydration Enhancement Technique (HET). Therefore, it is diabetic-friendly, with zero cholesterol, lower carbohydrates, and rich in fiber.
India Gate
India Gate Basmati Rice is one of the top long-grain rice brands produced by KRBL Limited, which was founded in 1889 and was the first company to start producing basmati rice. This rice brand is highly favored both domestically and abroad. This rice has a rich flavor and an exquisite smell and is widely used to make meals like Hyderabadi Biryani, Awadhi Pulao, Kashmiri Pulao, and Zafrani Pulao, as well as delectable lunches and dinners. Its luscious varieties, which have a particularly nutty flavor and scent, are used in a variety of Indian dishes to transform meals from ordinary to exceptional.
Royal Basmati Rice
Royal Brand delivers authentic basmati rice from the foothills of the Old Himalayas and is verified by experts and local farmers. Compared to the sticky texture of other rice varieties, this basmati rice has fragrant, fine grains. We particularly love the visual of the rice because it was harvested at the peak of its beauty and the scent it releases when cooked. Not only that, but it is also low in carbohydrates and high in vitamins. It is recommended that you consume 22% of your daily intake to maintain your fitness, and because it is low in fat and cholesterol, it supports better heart health.
Fortune Basmati Rice
This basmati rice brand is owned by Fortune Rice Ltd, which was established in 1993. It is ideal for making hearty meals like biryani and pulao because it has an enticing perfume, a non-sticky texture, and a lot of fiber. This type of rice is only grown in a few locations in India, where Fortune's rice comes from. And, our Indian farmers are some of the best when it comes to harvesting. Use Fortune basmati rice to prepare a special meal for your family this weekend!
Pride Of India
This brand tops our list of preferred basmati rice brands overall, and also receives our award for having the finest scent. Pride of India basmati rice was produced naturally, without the use of chemicals, pesticides, or bioengineering. The end product of this basmati rice is an incredibly unusual but appealing aroma and flavor that gives curries and other foods like biryani or pulao a really Indian flavor.
Seeds of Change
If you are health-conscious and need to keep an eye on your diet, another great option is the organic brown basmati rice from Seeds of Change. We love this premium basmati rice for many reasons, such as it being USDA organic and packaged in a BPA-free container. Seeds of Change is one of the most worthy brands to purchase brown rice from. Brown rice is made up of rich, natural components that are free of artificial additives like preservatives, colorants, and flavors, and it is USDA-certified organic and highly unadulterated. This basmati rice adds a delicious and nutrient-dense side dish that is perfect for salad toppings and stir-fries thanks to its wonderful scent and flavor. Brown rice and your preferred vegetables make a delicious combination that you will love.
Kohinoor
The name Kohinoor needs no introduction to Indians when it comes to basmati rice and ready-to-cook curries. They produce one of the best premium basmati rice, which contains real, organically grown grains to deliver the most sumptuous flavor to your table. In addition to being produced in a top-notch production facility, Kohinoor basmati rice is renowned for delivering traditional, authentic tastes, making it ideal for everyday consumption. Moreover, this brand stands out for being gluten-free, making it easy for people who require a lower protein intake to consume the same foods. Given the high grain quality and distinctive aroma of rice that has matured for one to two years, it is one of the greatest rice brands in India.
Lal Qilla
Lal Qilla is an Indian brand of basmati rice that strives to deliver a sumptuous and unforgettable combination of traditional and exotic meals to keep with the spirit of amazing India. This brand's basmati rice has a distinctive scent, flavor, and texture because it is grown in the Himalayan foothills. To reduce moisture content and provide a nut-like taste and fragrance, this basmati rice is matured for at least two years. This international brand produces long, elongated grains that split into velvety rice when cooked. Lal Quilla basmati rice can be used to prepare dishes from many types of cuisines, including Indian, Mughlai, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Mexican, and more.
Tilda
Tilda was originally founded in the UK in 1970 and has been a well-known consumer brand in India since 1980. With the introduction of basmati rice to consumers, Tilda aims to bring the rich flavors of Indian food to your table. Today, the Tilda brand serves its production to more than 76 countries and is a well-known brand on a global scale. In addition to their premium quality and texture, this basmati rice variety is also produced organically. The brand claims that the basmati rice is sourced from non-GMO Indian farms located in the foothills of the Himalayas, so it is naturally gluten-free and free of artificial colors or flavors. It is also Kosher, which makes it the ideal choice for anyone who follows a kosher diet.
Aeroplane
Aeroplane is a brand of basmati rice established in 1972 that is focused on sustainable expansion and dedicated to quality. It is among the top brands of basmati rice sold worldwide, not just in India. The rice is extremely nutritious, with a delicious aroma and white color. The grains are elongated with distinctive conical ends and have a minimum shelf life of two years. Aeroplane basmati rice is known for exporting fragrant, long-grained, and easy-to-cook basmati rice to about 75 countries worldwide.
Benefits Of Basmati Rice:
The popular aromatic basmati rice is a staple food of Indian cuisine. It has a long, thin shape and a mild, nutty flavor. It is suitable to prepare special dishes like biryani, pilaf, and tandoori and is frequently used in cooking. This type of rice is normally harvested in the foothills of the Himalayas, and it is used in cooking savory and sweet meals. It is a fantastic alternative to white rice.
- Apart from the tasty aroma and flavor, there are also a few health benefits of consuming basmati rice:
- It is a very beneficial replacement for your regular white rice to maintain a healthy heart.
- It can help in maintaining or losing weight by consuming basmati rice.
- Brown basmati rice can assist with blood pressure management when consumed often.
- Basmati rice has 20% more fiber than regular rice, which may help stop the growth of cancerous cells.
Varieties of Basmati Rice
According to the Seeds Act of 1966, there is a total of 29 varieties of basmati rice, which are accessible throughout the nation. If you love rice and enjoy experimenting with different recipes of rice, these are some of the most popular varieties that you should know.
Pusa Basmati 1121
Pusa Basmati 1121 is the type of rice to choose if you are looking for the ideal grain for everyday cooking. The Pusa basmati rice has a long, narrow grain that is excellent for soaking up tastes, and it is cultivated in the Himalayan foothills. The sheer, delicate grains, which are typically used to prepare Pilaf and Biryani, have a smooth, delectable taste. The long-tipped point of this Basmati rice type, also known as Muchal Basmati, gives it this name. This kind of basmati rice is one of the most popular ones.
Mahi Sugandh Basmati Rice
Mahi Sugandh basmati rice is one of the newer varieties on the list amongst the several older varieties. It was only recognized as a basmati variety under the Seeds Act of 1966. It is known as semi-dwarf basmati rice with just 87–98 cm long. It is cultivated in Rajasthan (forts in Rajasthan) and the size of the grain is relatively shorter than the other types.
Ranbir Basmati Rice
Due to its delicious flavor and reasonable pricing, this basmati rice is fairly well-known among the locals. The Himalayan foothills are the source of the long basmati rice known as "Ranbir." They are long and thin grains that make cooking and preparing very simple and effortless. Because of the unusually long grains' length and great perfume and flavor, many of us Indian locals love this variety. This type of grain is particularly consumed in Jammu & Kashmir, Dehradun, and northern India.
Taraori Basmati Rice
The Taraori Basmati rice is sometimes referred to as Karnal local and is very well-liked by many Indians. It is thought to be one of the oldest varieties of Basmati rice since 1933. The long-grain rice is fragrant and is a common choice to serve at weddings and gatherings. It is typically used to make Pilaf, a type of rice dish cooked in broth and several spices. This basmati rice is especially enjoyed by the residents of the Haryana region. A celebration in the Taraori region would not be considered complete without this rice and accompanying delicacies.
Why is it called Basmati?
Basmati rice, which is also referred to as "popcorn rice" because to its distinctive aroma, is typically picked for its flavor, fragrance, and slender form. According to Sanskrit, the term "basmati" means "perfumed one" or "fragrant". Original basmati rice is grown in Pakistan and India, although there are numerous hybrid types of basmati rice available today, such as Texmati, which was originated and made in Texas.
How to cook Basmati rice in a rice cooker?
The key to cooking basmati rice perfectly is to soak the rice for 20 to 30 minutes first, followed by thorough rinsing, regardless of the appliance you use. During this initial preparation period, a lot of the starchiness will evaporate, which means, you don't have to worry about getting sticky rice. Make sure to check the rice bag or box to see if there are any particular instructions before cooking your basmati in a rice cooker. If not, fill your rice cooker with 1 cup of rice for every 1 1/2 cups of water. You may also add a cinnamon stick and/or some cardamom pods to your rice for more flavour and authenticity. Before serving your rice, take both of the spices out since they are simply added for taste and scent. Choose a regular or standard rice cooking setting on your machine, then cook the rice for 15 minutes. Rice should be well-fluffed before serving.
How to prepare Basmati rice on a stovetop?
The difference between basmati rice and uncooked grain is that the former will expand three times more. As a result, you must weigh the rice and use the appropriate amount for each family's diet. Before cooking the rice, it is important to first wash it. However, remember not to wash the rice thoroughly to prevent it from losing its nutrients. In order for the rice to bloom uniformly and taste better than when cooked directly, you should soak it for 20 to 30 minutes. Rice should be doubled in boiling water (1 part rice to 2 parts water). Add some salt and a little oil to the rice to give it an additional authentic Indian flavor. Put the lid on and turn on the stove. When the rice is boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. As desired, distribute the cooked rice between the plate and bowl to serve.
Why is Basmati rice special?
The foremost reason is that basmati rice is low in fat and gluten-free in comparison to regular white rice. It also contains folic acid, all eight necessary amino acids, and is devoid of cholesterol and salt. Because basmati rice has a low to the medium glycemic index, energy is delivered more gradually and steadily, resulting in more even energy levels.
