Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　40 min

　　Traditional Indian recipes for basmati rice call for soaking the rice, but we find that it isn't necessary in this case.

Ingredients

　　2 cups basmati rice (14 oz)

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　3 1/3 cups water

　　1 teaspoon salt

　　Rinse rice in several changes of cold water until water runs clear. Drain well in a fine-mesh sieve. Melt butter in a 4-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, then add rice and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Stir in water and salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered and undisturbed, 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Rice can be made 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled in an airtight container. Reheat rice, its surface covered with a dampened paper towel, in a colander set over a saucepan of boiling water, covered, 5 to 10 minutes.