I have always loved Basmati Rice, and over the years we have tried a variety of recipes. Many years ago, we discovered one that we loved, and we have been making this version for about 15 years now! It is not difficult, and you can switch it up a little bit to your liking.
For this recipe, I look for a good organic basmati rice to avoid chemicals.
Ingredients:
~ 1.5 cups organic Basmati rice
~ 2 tablespoons butter, or more
~ 2.5 cups water
~ 2 cinnamon sticks
~ 1 tsp cardamom powder
~ 2 whole cloves
~ 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
~ 1 cup frozen peas
~ salt, to taste (approx 1 teaspoon+)
~ optional: small onion
* For double the recipe, use 3.5 cups water.
Directions:
Soak rice in water, for approximately 20 minutes. Rinse in a strainer and drain. You can see how much starch it removes!
I prepare all my spices at once in a pinch bowl (leaving out the salt).
Heat your butter and add your spices. Stir frequently, keeping on medium heat, and be careful not to burn the spices.
Stir the rice for a few minutes in the butter/spice mixture, until the rice is lightly toasted.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, until water is absorbed. (Be careful that the temperature is not too high, or it will cook too fast and the rice will not be soft enough and require more water).
Check to make sure the rice is a good texture. You can always add more water and cook longer.
Allow to stand for 5 minutes, fluff carefully with a fork, and serve!
Remember not to eat the cloves or cinnamon sticks!
