Spice Infused Basmati Rice Recipes

SPICE-INFUSED BASMATI RICE

Steps:

• Tie bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and clove in a small piece of cheesecloth. Set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, combine rice and 2 cups water. Add herb sachet, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until water has been absorbed and rice has cooked, about 20 minutes. Remove sachet, check seasoning, and serve immediately.

SPICED BASMATI RICE PILAF

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.

INDIAN STYLE BASMATI RICE

Steps:

• Place rice into a bowl with enough water to cover. Set aside to soak for 20 minutes.
• Heat the oil in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and cumin seed. Cook and stir for about a minute, then add the onion to the pot. Saute the onion until a rich golden brown, about 10 minutes. Drain the water from the rice, and stir into the pot. Cook and stir the rice for a few minutes, until lightly toasted. Add salt and water to the pot, and bring to a boil. Cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all of the water has been absorbed. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.

BASMATI RICE SEASONED WITH GARAM MASALA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• In a medium stove-to-oven pot melt butter over medium heat.
• Add chopped onions, garlic and garam masala and cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring until onions are softened.
• Add rice and stir until well coated.
• Add vegetable stock, salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring to a boil.
• Cover and bake in the oven until the rice is tender and the stock is absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Let stand, covered for 5 minutes before serving.