SPICED BASMATI RICE PILAF

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Spiced Basmati Rice Pilaf image

To wash or not to wash rice? In the case of basmati, no matter what, I always soak it. It cleans out any small particles and it also rids the rice of any starch on the grain. I do use the soaking water to cook the rice. This recipe is hypnotic and makes cooking such a simple ingredient easy. I leave the bay leaves and cinnamon in for rustic elegance. Remove them once cooked, if you want.

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups basmati rice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large white onion, peeled and finely diced
Kosher salt
3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed, black seeds removed and reserved, pods discarded
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves

Steps:

  • Prepare the rice: Soak the rice in 3 cups cold water for 30 minutes to remove the starch.
  • Cook the rice: Heat a medium saute pan over medium heat and add butter, onions, and 2 tablespoons water. Cook until translucent but not browned, 5 to 8 minutes. To the pan add cardamom seeds, cayenne, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Stir, and toast until fragrant, 2 minutes. Then, add the rice plus soaking liquid to the pot. Add salt to taste. Bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Cover, turn off the heat, and let steam for another 10 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve.

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