Indian-Style Basmati Rice

Steeping warm spices in the cooking liquid infuses the grains in this pilaf with savory fragrance.

YIELD Serves 4 to 6

TIME 50 minutes

Indian-Style Basmati Rice photo

Why This Recipe Works

Gather Your Ingredients

Key Equipment

Key Equipment - The Best Saucepans
Key Equipment - The Best Fine-Mesh Strainers

Before You Begin

*

For basmati rice with a bright yellow color, add ¼ teaspoon of ground turmeric and a pinch of saffron threads with the water in step 3.

Instructions

1.

Place rice in fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until water runs clear. Place strainer over bowl and set aside.

2.

Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin, cardamom, and cloves and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add rice and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3.

Add water, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and salt and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until all water is absorbed, about 17 minutes. Let stand, covered, off heat for at least 10 minutes. Discard cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Fluff rice with fork and serve.

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