How to make fluffy rice

• Step

  1

  

  Wash rice in fresh water at least 4 times and soak it for 30 mins. This helps the rice grains expand to their maximum length and also makes them less brittle. Drain the water and set aside.

• Step

  2

  

  Meanwhile, in a vessel, bring water to a boil. Add salt, a tejpatta, elaichi and laung for flavour.

• Step

  3

  

  When the water boils along with the whole spices for a minute, add the drained rice to it along with a teaspoon of ghee and lime juice or vinegar. While the ghee prevents the grains from sticking, the lime juice or vinegar makes it whiter and firmer.

• Step

  4

  

  When the rice is almost cooked—it takes about 8-9 minutes—drain immediately and spread in a wide-mouthed vessel like a paraat (used for kneading dough) or a big rice plate. This prevents the steam from softening the rice further and overcooking it.

• Step

  5

  

  Remove the whole spices and bay leaf. Transfer the rice to a bowl once the steam has escaped and keep it covered till you serve.