Its grains are longer than plain rice and lengthen further during the cooking process. Cooked basmati rice is dry and fluffy, making it a perfect accompaniment to curries and stews. Cooking tips: Rinse the grain until the water runs clear. Use two cups of water or stock for every cup of rice. Bring to the boil, then turn down to simmer. Cover the pot. The rice will down and absorb all the water in about 20-25 minutes. Let stand for a few more minutes then fluff with a fork to finish.