Fragrant Rice Pilaf

Total Time: 56 mins Preparation Time: 38 mins Cook Time: 18 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 2 1/2 basmati rice
• 5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 16 whole cloves
• 8 black cardamom pods
• 3 bay leaves, preferably fresh
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• salt
• some cilantro, chopped or in sprigs

Recipe

• 1 rinse the rice (put it in a strainer to make this easier), until the water runs clear.
• 2 put the rice in a bowl, cover with the water and set aside to soak, soak 30 minutes.
• 3 in a large saucepan or dutch oven, heat the oil and toast all the spices for one minute.
• 4 drain the rice and add to the pan.
• 5 cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until opaque and lightly golden.
• 6 add 5 cups of water (you may use the reserved soaking water, but i usually just use fresh water).
• 7 bring to a boil, lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
• 8 you may need to add additional water or cook a bit longer for the rice to get soft.
• 9 when the rice is served, remind diners that the whole spices are for decoration, not eating.