Basmati Rice 

This aromatic, long-grain rice is grown in the foothills of the Himalayas and is especially popular in India. In Hindi  'basmati' means fragrant and refers to the nutty taste and smell of the grain. The grains of basmati rice are longer than non-basmati varieties. Cooked grains of Basmati rice are characteristically free flowing rather than sticky. Cooked basmati rice can be uniquely identified by its fragrance.

A wide variety of rice dishes are made with Basmati rice like plain steamed rice, pulaos, pilafs, biryanis or just different types of fried rice - which include meat, vegetables, nuts, and even fruits sometimes. Gourmet cooks prefer to use Basmati rice for its fragrant flavor. Special occasion rice dishes are mostly made with Basmati rice.