Ingredient Guide•Basmati Rice
All Ingredients
High Protein
Grains & CerealsRice VarietiesIndian Subcontinent (India, Pakistan)
Basmati RiceCalories, Nutrition Facts, Culinary Uses & Recipes
Scientific Name:Oryza sativa
Also known as:
Basmati ChawalAromatic Rice
Basmati rice is a long-grain aromatic rice. Naturally fragrant with fluffy texture. Lower glycemic index than many white rices. Used in biryani, pulao, and daily meals.
Calories (100g)365 kcal
Dietary ProfileVegan & Vegetarian
Default UnitCup
Calories in Basmati Rice & Nutritional Facts
Standard food-composition values per 100g edible portion and realistic serving portions
How many calories are in Basmati Rice?
100 grams of Basmati Rice (raw/dry reference weight) provides approximately 365 kcal, 80.0g carbohydrates, 7.1g protein, 0.7g fat, and 1.3g dietary fiber. A realistic single-person portion of 50g contains roughly 183 kcal before cooking oils or garnishes.
365.0kcal
Calories
7.1g
Protein
80.0g
Carbs
0.7g
Fat
1.3g
Fiber
0.1g
Sugar
| Portion Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per 30g (Small / 2–3 Tbsp) | 110 kcal | 24.0g | 2.1g | 0.2g | 0.4g |
| Per 50g (Standard Home Serving) | 183 kcal | 40.0g | 3.6g | 0.3g | 0.7g |
| Per 100g (Standard Reference) | 365 kcal | 80.0g | 7.1g | 0.7g | 1.3g |
Source & Disclaimer: Nutritional figures represent approximate values per 100g edible portion compiled from standard food-composition references (including ICMR-NIN Indian Food Composition Tables & USDA FoodData Central). Values vary by grain thickness, moisture, brand, and added cooking oils or garnishes. Provided for general culinary information only and not as medical or clinical dietary advice.
Storage Instructions
Keep Basmati Rice fresh and long-lasting
Room Temperature Shelf Life: Uncooked aged basmati rice lasts indefinitely in a cool, dark pantry when stored in airtight steel or glass dabbas away from moisture. Pantry vs Refrigerator: Never store dry basmati rice in the refrigerator as humidity causes moisture absorption and spoilage; keep it in breathable cotton cloth bags or airtight containers. Long-Term Freezing: Cooked basmati rice can be frozen for up to one month in airtight freezer-safe containers without losing its signature fluffy texture upon reheating.
Kitchen Preparation & Cooking Uses
Best culinary practices & prep tips
Which Variety to Choose: Always select extra-long grain aged basmati rice (aged for at least 1-2 years) to achieve maximum grain elongation, non-sticky separation, and superior aroma. Rinse Gently: Wash the grains in cold water 3 to 4 times until the water runs clear, then soak for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and tender, elongated kernels. Tempering in Ghee: Bloom whole spices like green cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves in pure desi ghee before adding soaked rice to build an authentic royal biryani base.
General Nutritional & Wellness Notes
Everyday dietary context for Basmati Rice as part of balanced home cooking
Basmati rice is a naturally gluten-free complex carbohydrate source that provides sustained energy without causing rapid blood sugar spikes compared to short-grain white rices. It is exceptionally easy to digest, making it gentle on the stomach and ideal for convalescing diets and Ayurvedic kitchari cleanses. While low in fat and sodium, premium aged basmati also contains essential B-vitamins that support metabolic health and vitality.
Culinary Uses, Origins & Cultural Heritage
How Basmati Rice is used across regional kitchens and history
Common Culinary Uses
Historically patronized by the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire, basmati was bred and perfected by master khansamas to accompany rich, slow-cooked meat stews and fragrant gravies. The name itself, derived from the Sanskrit word 'vasamati' meaning 'fragrant', honors its ancient pedigree as a treasured aromatic luxury traded along historical spice routes.
Historical Roots
Basmati rice is native to the fertile alluvial plains of the Indian subcontinent, specifically the foothills of the Himalayas spanning modern-day northern India and Pakistan. For centuries, farmers in the Punjab region cultivated these aromatic grains along the river basins fed by glacial meltwaters, creating a microclimate essential for its unique fragrance.
Regional & Cultural Traditions
Across South Asian households, basmati rice is revered as the undisputed king of grains, traditionally served during weddings, festivals like Eid and Diwali, and Sunday family feasts. In global culinary traditions, it forms the backbone of Persian polo, Middle Eastern kabobs, and upscale international fusion dining where aromatic presentation is paramount.
Did You Know?
True basmati rice grains possess the unique ability to elongate to more than twice their original cooked length without breaking, curving, or bursting. Furthermore, like fine wine, basmati rice actually improves with age as moisture content decreases, intensifying its nutty aroma and non-sticky cooking qualities.
Chef & Cooking Tips
To prevent your basmati rice from turning mushy, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice or a few drops of oil to the boiling water to keep the grains brilliantly white and perfectly separated. If your rice becomes slightly undercooked, cover the pot tightly with a damp cloth and a heavy lid, then let it steam on the lowest heat for 10 minutes.
Recipes Using Basmati Rice
Explore 2 recipes featuring Basmati Rice
Frequently Asked Questions about Basmati Rice
Common questions on calories, cooking methods, and kitchen storage
How many calories are in Basmati Rice?
Per 100 grams (raw/dry reference weight), Basmati Rice contains approximately 365 kcal, 80.0g carbohydrates, 7.1g protein, 0.7g fat, and 1.3g dietary fiber. A typical 50g culinary portion provides roughly 183 kcal before cooking oils, butter, or garnishes are added.
What is Basmati Rice and how is it used in cooking?
Basmati rice is a long-grain aromatic rice. Naturally fragrant with fluffy texture. Lower glycemic index than many white rices. Used in biryani, pulao, and daily meals.
How do you prepare and cook with Basmati Rice?
Which Variety to Choose: Always select extra-long grain aged basmati rice (aged for at least 1-2 years) to achieve maximum grain elongation, non-sticky separation, and superior aroma. Rinse Gently: Wash the grains in cold water 3 to 4 times until the water runs clear, then soak for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and tender, elongated kernels. Tempering in Ghee: Bloom whole spices like green cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves in pure desi ghee before adding soaked rice to build an authentic royal biryani base.
How should Basmati Rice be stored to keep it fresh?
Room Temperature Shelf Life: Uncooked aged basmati rice lasts indefinitely in a cool, dark pantry when stored in airtight steel or glass dabbas away from moisture. Pantry vs Refrigerator: Never store dry basmati rice in the refrigerator as humidity causes moisture absorption and spoilage; keep it in breathable cotton cloth bags or airtight containers. Long-Term Freezing: Cooked basmati rice can be frozen for up to one month in airtight freezer-safe containers without losing its signature fluffy texture upon reheating.
What are the nutritional qualities of Basmati Rice?
Basmati rice is a naturally gluten-free complex carbohydrate source that provides sustained energy without causing rapid blood sugar spikes compared to short-grain white rices. It is exceptionally easy to digest, making it gentle on the stomach and ideal for convalescing diets and Ayurvedic kitchari cleanses. While low in fat and sodium, premium aged basmati also contains essential B-vitamins that support metabolic health and vitality. (For general culinary reference only, not medical advice.)
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