This recipe brings the authentic flavours of India to your kitchen. Infused with aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and cumin, and cooked to perfection with caramelised onions, this dish is a staple of Indian cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 (2 inch) piece of cinnamon stick
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Method of preparation:
Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing the Basmati rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. This will help remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
Soak the rice: Soak the rinsed rice in water for about 20-30 minutes. Then drain the water.
Sauté the spices: Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, whole cloves and cumin seeds. Sauté the spices for a few minutes until they become aromatic.
Cook the onion: Add the thinly sliced onion to the pan and sauté until the onion is golden brown and caramelised.
Combine the rice and water: Add the drained Basmati rice to the pan and sauté for another minute, making sure the rice is well coated with the oil and spices.
Add water and salt: Pour in 2 ½ cups of water and add salt to taste. Bring to the boil.
Cook the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight fitting lid and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Leave to rest and fluff: Turn off the heat and leave the rice to rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
Serve: Serve the fragrant Basmati Rice hot as a perfect accompaniment to your favourite Indian dishes.
