If you enjoy eating sticky rice, you may want to know if basmati sticky rice is possible. Yes, it is, but there are other things you’ll need to consider.
Sticky rice is very different from regular rice; it’s sweeter and complements dessert recipes perfectly. It has a chewy and sticky texture with several health benefits. Also, it’s important to note that not all rice can be used for sticky rice.
That said, would you like to learn how to make your favorite sticky rice dish from basmati? Then you don’t want to miss what’s next.
What Is Basmati Rice?
Basmati rice, long-grained Indian rice with a nutty taste, is one of the world’s most commonly used rice varieties. The botanical name of this rice variety is “Oryza sativa,” and some people consider it to be sticky rice.
In addition to being a staple food in India and Pakistan, it’s also found all over the Middle East and South Asia. Basmati can be white or brown-skinned, depending on how it’s cooked.
The white variety has retained its color thanks to less exposure to heat and light as compared to brown basmati. Brown basmati has its benefits too, which will be discussed later.
SEE: Why Brown Basmati Rice is Healthy
What Is Sticky Rice?
Sticky rice is a type of rice that, when cooked, has a sticky texture. This characteristic makes it favorable to many people in parts of Asia.
Rice is usually boiled or steamed before being made into dishes such as sushi, but sticky rice may also be cooked on the stovetop, where it becomes both stickier and softer. Sticky rice is often eaten with chopsticks or used as an ingredient in other recipes like dumplings and vegetarian egg rolls.
Can You Make Sticky Rice With Basmati?
Yes, you can. Although basmati rice can form sticky rice to an extent, it cannot achieve the best results because it’s long-grained rice.
Short grain rice is a better option when trying to form the perfect sticky rice. It contains more starch naturally and can easily produce a fluffy and sticky effect.
In essence, don’t expect your basmati rice to be very sticky; you’ll only get disappointed in the end. A part of its grain will remain intact and give off a more firm chew and drier texture.
Which Rice Is More Sticky Between Basmati and Jasmine Rice?
Jasmine rice. Named after the popular jasmine flower, jasmine rice holds a more sticky and glutinous texture than basmati rice. It’s cultivated in Thailand and has a fragrant aroma, plumper, and more soft texture compared to basmati.
This is primarily because jasmine rice consists of two types of starch: amylose and amylopectin.
The higher the amount of amylose in jasmine rice, the more apart each grain will be after cooking. While that is ongoing, the amylopectin starch gelatinizes while the rice is being cooked and adds to the sticky feel of the rice.
Basmati rice is not the least sticky but it’s not as chewy and sticky as jasmine and most short-grain rice.
SEE: If Jasmine Rice Is Good for Diabetics
Can You Use Basmati Rice for Sushi?
Yes, but there’s a condition. Sushi is a staple rice dish and one of the most known dishes outside of Japan. It consists of cooked rice mixed with vinegar and different vegetables, seafood, etc. Making the most of this meal begins with knowing what rice to use and which to avoid.
Basmati rice can be used in making sushi, but the challenge is that it doesn’t have a very sticky texture. This can make the sushi lose its shape when the basmati rice eventually becomes dry.
How to Make Basmati Sticky Rice
Follow these steps to make your favorite basmati sticky rice easy and simple.
- Add water to a bowl. Then pour one cup of basmati rice into the same bowl.
- Allow it to soak for about 20 minutes.
- Drain the rice and rinse it carefully with cold water.
- Set your cooker to medium heat, and add 2 cups of water to your pan and dry rice.
- Allow it to cook for up to 10-12 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and leave your basmati rice for about 5 minutes before serving it.
By this time, it should have a slightly sticky texture. Add it to your sushi or any other meal of your choice and enjoy.
SEE: If It Is Okay To Eat Rice Every Day
5 Top Benefits of Eating Basmati Sticky Rice
Basmati rice is the best type of rice for eating with curry. Unlike regular long-grain rice, basmati has a light, nutty flavor that perfectly complements Indian cuisine. And unlike most other types of rice, basmati cooks up fluffy and separated, instead of sticky and clumpy.
Check out other benefits of basmati sticky rice below:
1. Reduced inflammation
One of the biggest benefits of eating basmati rice is that it reduces inflammation. Inflammation is a normal part of the immune system.
However, excessive inflammation can be extremely damaging and cause long-term problems for the body. Adding basmati rice to your diet and maintaining your weight can help reduce inflammation and promote good health.
2. It improves digestion
Regular long-grain rice has a sticky texture that is not ideal when trying to digest food properly. The starch molecules in long-grain rice bind together when cooked, making digestion more challenging.
However, in the case of basmati rice, the starch molecules separate when they are cooked. The separation enhances digestion and allows your body to break down food more efficiently.
3. It strengthens the immune system
Being exposed to various types of foreign proteins not only helps you develop a strong immune system but can also help you develop a deeper appreciation for other cultures.
Basmati rice is a great way to try something new, and it is also a good way to strengthen your immune system. The antioxidants in basmati rice are similar to those in garlic and onions, which help kill harmful bacteria that cause colds and other illnesses.
4. It prevents heart disease
Some types of foods contain chemicals that increase your already high cholesterol levels, which can be extremely damaging to your heart. These chemicals are found in most types of long-grain rice.
However, eating basmati rice can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Unlike regular long-grain rice, basmati is a low GI type of rice, meaning your body will not absorb as much starch when you eat it.
5. It helps prevent cancer
Also known as brown rice, basmati is an excellent source of antioxidants. You can find these antioxidants in other types of brown rice and broccoli.
Eating basmati rice can help you prevent cancer. Experts believe that the fiber in brown rice and broccoli helps lower cholesterol levels, which can help prevent cancer.
SEE: Effective Tips to Prevent Breast Cancer Naturally
FAQs
What is sticky rice called?
Sticky rice (Oryza sativa glutinosa), or sweet rice, is any type of rice with high amounts of amylopectin and low amounts of amylose starch.
Is medium grain rice sticky?
Yes, it is. It cooks up sticky and can be a good substitute for short-grain rice.
What is basmati rice mostly known for?
It’s that it expands more than two times its actual length when it’s being cooked.
SEE: How Many Cups Are In 1 – 20 lbs Of Rice
Conclusion
Rice is one of the most important ingredients in a meal. It can be used as a side dish or even in desserts and is essential to many different cuisines.
A way to stand out while cooking rice is to make the rice sticky, and short-grain rice makes the best sticky rice.
Thank you for reading.
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