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    Home » Recipes » Easy Indian Sides

    How to Cook Sona Masoori Rice - The Ultimate Guide

    Published: Oct 21, 2022 · Modified: Oct 25, 2023 by Shilpa Kerur · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    5 from 150 votes
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    This comprehensive guide will help you prepare perfectly cooked Sona Masoori rice. With just water and a set-and-forget approach, you can achieve consistently soft and fluffy rice with ease. Say goodbye to undercooked or overcooked rice and enjoy delicious and fluffy rice every time.

    sona masoori rice.

    Sona Masoori is a medium-grain rice variety that originates from India and is primarily cultivated in South India. While not as well-known as Basmati rice, it remains easily accessible in India and at Indian grocery stores worldwide. It is available in both white and brown varieties and is commonly used in Indian cuisine.

    Sona Masuri rice is characterized by its delicate texture, nutty flavor, and pleasant aroma. This rice pairs well with South Indian curries, or you can simply enjoy it with ghee and salt.

    Why you will love this recipe?

    • Clear instructions: This recipe has clear and concise instructions that are easy to follow, even for beginners.
    • Accurate measurements: My recipe provides accurate measurements for both the rice and water to ensure that the rice is cooked to the correct texture.
    • Serving suggestions: Unsure of how to serve this aromatic rice? Not to worry! Check out the recipes I've shared below that pair perfectly with this delicious rice.
    • Using uncooked rice: Looking to add some flavor to uncooked rice? Try incorporating uncooked rice into the recipes I've shared below for a delicious and unique twist on this classic ingredient.

    Ingredients

    Sona masoori and water are the only ingredients you need. Traditionally, when making steamed rice, oil or seasoning is not added. Use filtered water where possible.

    Step-by-step instructions

    wash until the water runs clear.

    Take one cup of rice in a bowl and add water. Rub and wash the rice thoroughly. Wash 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Drain all the water.

    Main Pot Method

    main pot method.

    Step 1: Transfer the washed rice along with 2 cups of water to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.

    Step 2: Pressure cook for 5 minutes. Do a natural release of the pressure. Mix gently before serving.

    Pot-in-Pot method

    pot in pot method.

    Step 1: Add one cup of water to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Place a trivet on top. Add the washed rice to a bowl that fits the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Place it on the trivet.

    Step 2: Add 2 cups of water and give it a good mix. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode for 8 minutes. Do a natural release of pressure. Mix gently and serve.

    Stovetop Method

    stovetop method.

    Step 1: Place the washed rice in a thick bottom pan. Add 2½ cups of water and give it a good mix. Place it on high heat and bring it to a boil. Once it comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting.

    Step 2: Cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer on low heat for 15-17 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed. Turn off the heat and let it sit for another 10 minutes. Mix gently and serve.

    Expert Tips

    In this recipe, I have used one cup of uncooked rice, which gives 4 cups of cooked rice. You can half or double the recipe as per your need.

    Rinse the uncooked rice well to remove any dirt. Rinse 2-3 times until the water runs clear.

    Use filtered water for cooking the rice where possible.

    The rice-to-water ratio depends on the cooking method. For every cup of uncooked rice, we need 2 cups of water if we make it in an Instant Pot and 2.5 cups of water if we make it on a stovetop.

    If you are making large quantities of rice, the main pot method is the best. However, for smaller quantities, you can use the pot-in-pot method. With PIP, you can also cook dal at the same time.

    Serving suggestions

    Serve steamed plain rice with these dals and curries:

    • bhindi kadhi.
      Bhindi Kadhi (Yogurt Okra Stew)
    • plates of pumpkin curry with rice.
      Pumpkin Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk
    • Bagara baingan served in a blue bowl with roti.
      Bagara Baingan / Indian Eggplant Curry
    • Black-eyed peas curry.
      Black Eyed Peas Curry in Instant Pot
    • gujarati kadhi.
      Gujarati Kadhi Recipe
    • south indian egg curry.
      Best Egg Curry in Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot goat curry.
      Easy Goat Curry (Mutton Curry) - Instant Pot
    • shrimp coconut curry.
      Easy Shrimp Coconut Curry / Bhapa Chingri (Instant Pot)

    Recipes to use uncooked sona masoori

    Use uncooked rice for these recipes:

    • perfectly cooked grains.
      Cabbage Pulao / South Indian Cabbage Rice (Instant Pot)
    • tomato rice in instant pot
      Instant Pot Tomato Rice (Vegan)
    • Coconut rice in coconut bowl.
      Coconut Rice in Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot ven pongal.
      Instant Pot Ven Pongal (Khara Pongal)
    • Instant Pot veg pulao.
      Instant Pot Vegetable Pulao
    • akki kadalebele payasa.
      Chana Dal Payasam (Instant Pot)

    Recipe FAQs

    What is sona masuri rice?

    Sona masuri is an Indian variety of medium-grain rice which is a cross combination of Sona and Mahsuri varieties. It is widely cultivated and eaten in South India. You can buy this variety in Indian grocery stores and online stores.

    How to store this cooked sona masoori rice?

    It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This rice also freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

    How to cook brown sona masoori?

    Use a 1:2.5 rice-to-water ratio for brown rice and pressure cook in the Instant Pot for 20 minutes. Do a natural release of pressure.

    perfectly cooked.

    Cooking more grains

    • basmati rice in instant pot.
      Perfect Basmati Rice in Instant Pot
    • red rice in instant pot
      Perfectly Cooked Red Rice / Kerala Rice (Instant Pot)
    • perfectly cooked sorghum.
      How to cook Sorghum in Instant Pot

    If you tried this Sona Masoori Rice Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ? star rating and let me know how it went in the ? comments below.

    Recipe card

    sona masoori rice.

    How to Cook Sona Masoori Rice

    With just water and a set-and-forget approach, you can achieve consistently soft and fluffy rice with ease. Whether you prefer using an Instant Pot or a stovetop, this guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions to ensure your Sona Masoori rice is cooked to perfection.
    5 from 150 votes
    Print Pin Rate Google logo Add Preferred Source
    Author: Shilpa Kerur
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 4 cups of cooked rice
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup sona masoori rice
    • 2-2½ cups water depending on the method - see instructions
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    Instructions

    Wash the rice:

    • Take the rice in a bowl and add water. Rub and wash the rice thoroughly.
    • Drain all the water.

    Main Pot Method:

    • Transfer the washed rice to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
    • Add 2 cups of water and give it a good mix.
    • Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook mode for 5 minutes.
    • Do a natural release of pressure.
    • Mix gently and serve.

    Pot-in-Pot Method:

    • Add one cup of water to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Place a trivet on top.
    • Place the washed rice in a bowl that fits the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Place it on the trivet.
    • Add 2 cups of water and give it a good mix.
    • Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode for 8 minutes.
    • Do a natural release of pressure.
    • Mix gently and serve.

    Stovetop Method:

    • Place the washed rice in a thick bottom pan.
    • Add 2½ cups of water and give it a good mix.
    • Place it on high heat and bring it to a boil.
    • Once it comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
    • Cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer on low heat for 15-17 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed.
    • Turn off the heat and let it sit for another 10 minutes.
    • Mix gently and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    Rinse the uncooked rice well to remove any dirt. Rinse 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
    Use filtered water for cooking the rice where possible.
    The rice-to-water ratio depends on the cooking method. For every cup of uncooked rice, we need 2 cups of water if we make it in an Instant Pot and 2.5 cups of water if we make it on a stovetop.
    Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Share it Today!Mention @easyindiancookbook or tag #easyindiancookbook!

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      Easy Air Fryer Eggplant / Begun Bhaja (No Breading)
    • Cilantro rice in a white bowl.
      Indian Cilantro Rice / Dhaniya Pulao (Instant Pot)
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      Masala Mashed Potatoes
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      Easy Curried Green Bean Casserole

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