What Is Basmati Rice? (Types, Uses, Differences + More)

Most people have limited experience with rice varieties, and often their diet consists only of white rice and the occasional brown rice that comes with their takeout.

Basmati rice is a great starting point in expanding your palate. If you have never heard of Basmati rice, you might be wondering what Basmati rice is. Here is what I found!

What Is Basmati Rice?

Basmati rice is a type of aromatic rice that is known for its rich floral and spicy aroma and nutty taste. Additionally, Basmati rice is not sticky like the average white rice. When cooked right, Basmati rice retains the shape of each grain. Moreover, Basmati rice comes in the forms of red, brown, and white rice.

In case you are interested to learn more about what makes Basmati rice so popular and how Basmati rice compares to other types of rice, keep reading!

What Is The Difference Between Basmati Rice And White Rice?

Basmati rice is aromatic rice that has longer and firmer grains than white rice. Additionally, Basmati rice is higher in calories and has brown and red variants.

Furthermore, Basmati rice has a nutty flavor while white rice is generally neutral in taste. Regardless, both Basmati rice and white rice are largely similar in terms of nutrition.

Even if Basmati rice contains more protein, the difference is not substantial. Both Basmati and white rice are still highly processed, low-fiber, and may induce weight gain.

What Is So Special About Basmati Rice?

Basmati rice is considered high-quality rice and is distinguished from other rice variants for many reasons.

Mainly, Basmati rice is special because Basmati rice is a type of aromatic rice that improves in both taste and fragrance as it ages, and some Basmati rice is aged for years for better quality.

Additionally, Basmati rice is known for containing all eight essential amino acids. Moreover, Basmati rice is rich in folic acid, has low sodium content, and has no cholesterol at all.

Finally, while Basmati rice can induce weight gain when consumed excessively, Basmati rice has a glycemic index that ranges from low to medium.

Is Basmati Rice Healthier Than Normal Rice?

Whether Basmati rice is healthier than normal rice depends on the type of Basmati rice you plan to eat and your personal dietary needs.

Generally, Basmati rice comes in red, brown, and white variants, and compared to the average white rice, white Basmati rice is healthier by only a small margin.

Nutrition-wise, it is the red and brown Basmati rice that contains more phosphorus, B vitamins, fiber, and zinc than white Basmati rice and the average white rice.

What Does Basmati Rice Taste Like?

Basmati rice has a slightly spicy, floral, and nutty aroma. Additionally, the nutty scent extends to Basmati rice’s taste, which is just strong enough to be tasted if eaten plain.

Moreover, Basmati rice has a soft texture. Cooked right, Basmati rice is not sticky, and you will notice the individual grains more in your mouth as you eat the Basmati rice.

Can I Use Basmati Rice Instead Of White Rice?

White Basmati Rice has few differences from white rice in terms of nutrition and taste. As such, there should not be any problem with you using Basmati rice instead of white rice.

Which Is Better, Basmati Or Jasmine Rice?

Which Is Better Basmati Or Jasmine Rice?

Basmati rice and Jasmine rice are both high-quality aromatic rice, and whether one is better than the other depends on how you compare them.

Based on the aroma, Basmati is better because Basmati rice’s aroma is stronger. Taste-wise, however, Basmati is mostly floral and nutty while Jasmine is distinctly sweet.

While Basmati rice can retain the shape of each grain, Jasmine rice tends to be sticky like regular white rice.

With regards to nutrition, Basmati is generally healthier than Jasmine because of Basmati rice’s lower glycemic index. Basmati typically ranks at 59 while Jasmine ranks at 89.

What Is The Best Brand For Basmati Rice?

Basmati rice is sold under numerous brand names and formats. Here is a list of the top Basmati rice brands and the popular formats they come in for your reference:

  • Aahu Barah Basmati Rice
  • Food to Live Organic Basmati Rice
  • Dunar Elonga Basmati Rice
  • Pride of India Extra Long Indian Basmati Rice
  • Pride of India Extra Long Brown Basmati
  • Daawat Traditional Basmati Rice
  • Tilda Legendary Rice, Pure Original Basmati
  • Crown Premium Quality White Basmati Rice
  • Zafarani Reserve GMO-Free Long Grain Basmati Rice
  • My Skinny Rice Low GI Basmati Rice
  • Kohinoor Super Silver Basmati Rice
  • Daawat ultima Extra Long Grain Basmati Rice
  • Tasty Bite Organic Basmati Rice
  • Lundberg Family Farms California White Basmati Rice
  • Lundberg Organic Rice, Brown Basmati
  • Shrilalmahal Empire Basmati Rice
  • VeeTee Rice & Tasty Basmati
  • Seeds of Change Organic Brown Basmati Rice
  • Banyan Botanicals Basmati Rice

Does Basmati Rice Work For Fried Rice?

Basmati rice is a great option for fried rice. Not only will Basmati rice make your dish more fragrant, but Basmati rice will also complement the taste of whatever ingredient you add.

Since Basmati rice doesn’t stick together, you will have an easier time cooking and mixing the Basmati rice with other ingredients.

Is Basmati Rice Better Than Parboiled Rice?

Whether Basmati rice is better than parboiled rice depends on the type of parboiled rice you are comparing Basmati rice to.

Technically, parboiled rice is not a type of rice like Basmati is and Basmati rice is often parboiled.

While Basmati and parboiled rice are nutrition dense, Basmati has significantly higher amounts of calories and carbs, making parboiled rice better for weight management.

What Can I Substitute For Basmati Rice?

If you do not have Basmati rice, here are the best alternatives you can use in terms of taste and nutritional value:

  • American Long-Grain White Rice
  • Long Grain Jasmine Rice
  • Long-Grain Brown Rice
  • Quinoa
  • Couscous
  • Bulgur Wheat
  • Orzo
  • Popcorn Rice
  • Cauliflower Rice

Read our related articles to discover what parboiled rice is, what rice paper is, and what bamboo rice is.

Conclusion

Basmati rice is popular aromatic rice that is known for being tastier and more nutritious than the average rice.

Nonetheless, Basmati rice is also high in calories and carbs so Basmati rice is not an ideal option if you are trying to lose or maintain weight.

However, if you want to make aromatic and delicious meals that are packed with nutrients, Basmati rice is one of the best alternatives in the market.

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