Basmati Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cup basmati rice - أرز بسمتي
• 4 cup boiling water (from the kettle) - ماء ساخن
• 1/2 teaspoon salt - ملح
• 1 large bay leaf (optional) - ورق لاورا
• 3 pod cardamom (optional) - حبهان
• 1 teaspoon butter (optional OR oil for vegan option) - زبدة

Step by step

1. In a sieve, rinse the rice with water.
2. Place the rice in a pot and stir in 4 cups of boiling water, salt, cardamom pods and bay leaf.
3. Bring the rice to the boil then reduce the heat to a minimum and cover.
4. Allow the rice to cook for 10- 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked. (But don't stir the rice in the process).
5. Remove the cardamom pods and the bay leaf, and use a fork to fluff up the rice.
6. Optional: You may choose to add a knob of butter while the rice is still hot and lightly fluff up the rice and the melting butter with a fork.