Fancy Basmati Rice

 

Fancy Basmati Rice

Most of the time, I keep the basmati rice simple—water, salt and rice.  But sometimes it’s good to add a little oomph, especially if guests are to be served.  Although this one is fancier than usual rice, it takes only a few extra minutes to prepare.  For fancy rice, it’s actually pretty simple.

 

 

1 tablespoon ghee
3 thin slices medium sized red onion, quartered
1 stick cassia or cinnamon
2 green cardamom pods
1 heaping teaspoon cumin seed

1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

pomegranate seeds for garnish, or chopped pistachios, or cilantro leaves

The basmati rice we buy here doesn’t need washing, so I can eliminate this step.  If you do need to wash the rice, do it earlier in the day, and leave it in a colander so it can be dry when you need it.

Be sure that the pot you will be using has a tight fitting lid.  Heat that pot to medium high and add the ghee.  When the ghee is hot, add the cinnamon, cardamom and cumin.  Let those spices splutter and brown just a bit, then add the onion.  I liked to see strings of onion, so I mentioned to quarter them, but you can add them as rings if you prefer.  See the picture to see how I’ve done mine.

Let the onion get translucent and a bit golden, stirring once in a while, then add the dry rice.  Stir for a minute or two, then add the water and salt.  Cover, and bring to a boil. 

Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down to low, then leave it for at least twenty minutes, but not too much longer.  Lift the lid, fluff it with a fork, and serve.  Pomegranate seeds make a beautiful and delicious garnish, but you could add a variety of other garnishes too.  Chopped pistachio nuts, dried unsweetened coconut, cilantro leaves are all good choices.  Adding these little touches makes the dish that much nicer when you want your guests to feel welcomed.  

By the way, I’m starting to pack for Goa.  Any suggestions on what I should bring as small gifts for Beautiful Granddaughter’s cousins?  Do they have marshmallows in India?  I’m thinking a marshmallow roast one evening on the beach with a bonfire might be fun, but not if we all get ourselves arrested.  Suggestions anyone?