Simple Cumin Basmati Rice

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, sorted and washed in 3 to 4 changes of water
• 2 3/4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or melted ghee)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• finely chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, soak the rice in the water about 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a large saucepan over med-high heat; add in the cumin seeds and black pepper; they should sizzle upon contact with the hot oil.

3. 3

   Quickly add in the rice with the water it was soaking in; mix in the salt and bring to a boil over high heat.

4. 4

   Decrease heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan (partially at first, until the foam subsides, then snugly), and cook until the rice is done, 10-15 minutes.

5. 5

   Do not stir the rice while it cooks.

6. 6

   Remove from heat and let the rice rest undisturbed about 5 minutes.

7. 7

   Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with cilantro, and serve.