Will jasmine rice work as well as regular basmati rice for Indian dishes?

Question

Basmati rice has gotten really expensive lately, I'm trying to think of a less expensive option that still produces a good result. Has anyone tried using jasmine rice in biryani or pilau instead of basmati?

Answer 1

I've tried it and I have to say if you're an Indian food snob (which I am!!)  there's just no good substitute for basmati.  

It wasn't bad...but it wasn't quite right, either.

Answer 2

Basmati rice is Basmati rice and there is no "substitute" but Jasmine is nice too. I would always use Basmati, IF I could get it. I live in Mexico City and have never even SEEN Basmati rice here. I have to bring it back with me when I visit Vancouver (one of the great Punjabi cities of the world!).

In Mexico I use simple long grained Mexican rice which I cook in the Mexican way but adding ginger, garlic, onion and cumin. Its not Basmati but it goes well with everything Indian especially biriyanis, so I'm more or less content.

(But I still love my Basmati and this summer when I come back from Vancouver there will be about 3 kilos in my bags just to freak out the Customs guys in Mexico....)

Answer 3

thai rice is cheaper ,you just have to cook it well

Answer 4

I use jasmim rice for everything and I love it!

Answer 5

jasmine rice will work....but it cooks faster than basmati...u'll just have to adjust the time u put it in for.