Simple Cumin Basmati Rice

ratherbeswimmin''s Note:

From 1,000 Indian Recipes, by Neelam Batra

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, sorted and washed in 3 to 4 changes of water
• 2 3/4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or melted ghee)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• finely chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, soak the rice in the water about 30 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over med-high heat; add in the cumin seeds and black pepper; they should sizzle upon contact with the hot oil.
3. Quickly add in the rice with the water it was soaking in; mix in the salt and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Decrease heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan (partially at first, until the foam subsides, then snugly), and cook until the rice is done, 10-15 minutes.
5. Do not stir the rice while it cooks.
6. Remove from heat and let the rice rest undisturbed about 5 minutes.
7. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

Reviews

[Chef #839452]

Always searching for new rice recipes and saw this one and tried it. Everyone really liked it! I didn't add the cilantro, personal preference, but it was delicious without it too!