There are a few ingredients in this classic Indian style rice that you may not have in your cupboard, but I suggest that they would be excellent additions if you don’t already have them. Cardamom pods are expensive, but they pretty much last forever. Ground cardamom will get flat after a year or so, but the cardamom seeds seem to keep for years within the pods. Mustard seeds are tiny, but they pack a punch. I have an Indian friend who used to make dinner for me when I lived in San Francisco; he would often toss a few mustard seeds into whatever he was making to give it a lift. (Try adding some to lentils.) Most of us have ground cumin, but as with other ground spices, ground cumin will go flat. The whole seeds last longer. Besides, cumin is better when the seeds are toasted first. Turmeric is what gives this rice its vibrant yellow color. Not only does turmeric have plenty of health benefits, it’s the primary ingredient in yellow curry powder. Now, about the rice. Please make it. This rice was one of those OMG food epiphanies for me. As in, “this is so easy and so incredibly good, why haven’t I been making it my whole life?” Seriously! We made this for an upcoming chicken dish and thank goodness we made a big batch. The technique for making the rice is a little different from how I usually make rice. For this recipe you boil the rice in more water than the rice can absorb, and then drain the water from the rice when it’s done. The rice is boiled with the cinnamon stick, cardamom, and cloves, so it soaks up those flavors while it’s cooking. Then it is tossed with sautéed spices and onions. Note that not all of the water will be absorbed! After 8 minutes, taste the rice, and test if it is done to your taste; rice can take more or less time to cook depending on how old it is. If still too firm, cook a few minutes longer. Remove the cloves, cardamom and cinnamon and discard. Set the rice aside to drain. Cook until the mustard seeds start popping, then add the chopped onion. Cook until the onions begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Savory Coconut Rice here on Simply Recipes Saffron Rice Pilaf here on Simply Recipes More Indian-cuisine recipes!
