By rinsing the rice very well and soaking it you can have amazing rice that is fluffy, doesn’t stick and has beautiful long grains.
Serves 6
1 ½ cups white basmati rice
1 tbsp oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 ¼ cup water
3 green cardamom pods, gently bruised with the side of a knife so the pods split
2 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
½ tsp salt
Place the rice in a sieve and rinse under cold water for about 3-5 minutes. Jiggle the sieve back and forth to help the water rinse off the starch; the water should run clear after 3-5 minutes. Transfer rice to a bowl and cover with fresh cool water. Let rice soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature.
Meanwhile, in a medium pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and stir for about 30 seconds. The seeds will become very aromatic. Drain the rice and add it to the pot along with the water, cardamom pods, whole cloves, cinnamon stick and salt.
Cover and bring the water to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat. Lift the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Replace the lid and let the rice steam for 10 minutes. Serve.
