Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Wash and Soak Rice

   Take 1 cup of basmati rice in a bowl. Add water and wash the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Drain the water and then soak the washed rice in fresh water for 15 minutes.

2. 2.Prepare Boiling Water

   Place a large pot on an induction cooktop or stove. Fill it with a generous amount of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water. Squeeze half a lemon or add 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the boiling water; this helps the rice stay white and separate.

3. 3.Cook the Rice

   Once the water is at a rolling boil, drain the soaked rice completely and carefully add it to the boiling water. Let the rice boil vigorously. Set a timer and cook the rice for exactly 6 minutes.

4. 4.Drain and Cool Rice

   After 6 minutes, carefully drain the cooked rice using a colander. Without mixing or pressing hard, gently spread the rice evenly on a large tray. Use a fork to fluff the rice and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This cooling process is crucial for achieving the 'uthiri uthiri' (separate) texture required for fried rice.

5. 5.Use for Fried Rice

   Once cooled, the perfectly separated rice is ready to be used as a base for any type of fried rice or mixed rice dish.