Kateh (Smothered Rice)

Ingredients

• •3 cups basmati rice, long grain
• •2 teaspoons salt
• •5 ½ cups water
• •2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. 1Pick over and wash 3 cups of rice 5 times in warm water.
2. 2Place rice, salt, and water in a deep non-stick pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes
3. 3over medium heat (do not cover the rice). Gently stir the rice with a wooden spoon a few times while it boils.
4. 4When the rice has absorbed all the water, pour the oil over it and stir through gently with a wooden spoon. Reduce heat.
5. 5Place a clean dish towel or 2 layers of paper towels over the pot and cover firmly with the lid on to prevent steam from escaping.
6. 6Cook 40 minutes over low heat. Remove the pot from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes on a damp surface without uncovering.
7. 7Gently taking one skimmer or spatula full of rice at a time, without disturbing the bottom crust, place the rice on a serving platter.
8. 8Mound rice in shape of a cone.
9. 9Detach the crust from the bottom of the pot using a wooden spatula.
10. 10Place on a small platter and serve.