Basmati Rice

Ingredients

• •1 cup Basmati rice
• •1 small onion
• •3 medium carrots
• •1 bay leaf
• •1 cinnamon stick, crumbled
• •2 cloves
• •4 black peppercorns
• •1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
• •1 tablespoon light vegetable oil
• •2 tablespoons butter
• •1 tablespoon kosher salt, or to taste

Directions

1. 1Wash the rice in cool water, squeezing gently with your fingers, until the water runs clear. Put the rice in 2 cups of cool water to soak for 20 minutes.
2. 2Strain the rice and put the remaining water into saucepan and heat. Leave rice to dry in strainer. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. 3While rice is drying, chop onion finely and set aside. Dice carrots and set aside. Measure spices.
4. 4When rice is dry, heat oil over medium high flame in heavy, ovenproof skillet or casserole dish. Add spices.
5. 5When spices become fragrant, add butter and onions. Cook until onions are tender and light golden brown. Add carrots and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
6. 6Add rice and cook, stirring very gently for 5 minutes.
7. 7Add salt and heated water, bringing it to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until water on top of rice has boiled off.
8. 8Cover tightly and cook for 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. 9Remove from oven, let rest for 10 minutes, then serve.