Spiced Basmati Rice Pilaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2/3 cup water
- 4 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon anise seeds
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 6 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 cardamom pods
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 green onion, chopped with greens
Preparation
Wash the rice with clean water several times, soak it in warm salted water for 15-20 minutes, then drain it.
Heat the oil or ghee in a pot, add the cumin, anise, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, stir over high heat until the seeds turn golden, releasing the oils and aroma of the spices.
Add the rice and salt, stir over high heat for 1-2 minutes, add the water and let it boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook gently for 25-30 minutes until done.
Gently stir the rice with a fork then place it in a serving dish, sprinkle the green onion on top, or put the rice in a cake mold and invert it.
