Simple Cumin Basmati Rice

• basmati rice↗1 1⁄2 cups

  sorted and washed in 3 to 4 changes of water

• water↗2 3⁄4 cups
• peanut oil1 tablespoon

  (or melted ghee)

• cumin seeds↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• fresh coarse ground black pepper↗1⁄2 teaspoon

  (or to taste)

• salt↗3⁄4 teaspoon

  (or to taste)

• fresh cilantro

  finely chopped

Step-by-step instructions

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.