Spiced Basmati Rice

Ingredients

• Olive or coconut oil (For sautéing; the quantity is not specified in the source.)
• 1 Small onion (Finely chopped or sliced.)
• 1 stecca Cinnamon (Alternatively, use 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon.)
• 5 Cardamom seeds
• 3 Bay leaves
• 2 tsp Curry powder
• 1 tsp Ground turmeric
• 0.5 tsp Chili powder
• 1 tbsp Raisins
• 160 g Basmati rice
• 1 mazzetto Fresh cilantro (Add at the end; the exact size of the bunch is not specified.)
• 2 tbsp Cashews (Toasted, for finishing the rice.)
• Salt (To taste.)
• Water (Use a volume equal to twice the volume of the rice, approximately 320 ml for 160 g of rice.)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a drizzle of oil in a large lidded pot over medium heat. Use either olive oil or coconut oil.

2. 2

   Add the onion and sauté until it begins to soften and become slightly translucent.

3. 3

   Add the cinnamon, cardamom seeds, and bay leaves. Then add the curry, turmeric, and chili, adjusting the chili to taste.

4. 4

   Add the raisins and sauté all the aromatics together for about 2 minutes over medium heat, until fragrant without burning the spices.

5. 5

   Add the basmati rice and stir to toast it lightly, allowing the grains to become coated with the aromatics.

6. 6

   Season the rice with salt, then pour in an amount of water equal to twice the volume of the rice. Stir briefly only to distribute the liquid.

7. 7

   Cover the pot, increase the heat, and bring the water to a boil.

8. 8

   As soon as the water boils, reduce the heat to low. Cook covered for about 8-10 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid. Do not stir or disturb the rice during cooking.

9. 9

   Turn off the heat and finish with fresh cilantro and toasted cashews. Serve the rice piping hot, ideally as an accompaniment to lentil dal.

Notes

The cooking time may vary depending on the type of basmati rice. The source notes that even if you do not have all the spices, the rice will still be flavorful. For a more precise result, measure the water by volume: it should be twice the volume of the rice.

Nutrition per serving

• side dish
• vegan
• vegetarian
• dairy-free
• spiced
• rice
• one-pot
• easy