Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold running water. This step removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy during cooking. Rinse until the water runs clear.

Soak the rinsed rice in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes. Soaking helps the grains expand and ultimately leads to a fluffier texture.

After soaking, drain the rice and set it aside. In a medium saucepan, combine the soaked rice, 1 1/2 cups of water, salt, and oil if using.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.

Cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows the rice to steam properly, ensuring that it cooks evenly.

After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice sit for an additional 5-10 minutes to absorb any remaining moisture.

Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. This will separate the grains and enhance the presentation.