Curried Basmati Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
1 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece of ginger, minced
1 tbsp curry powder
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup frozen peas
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Rinse Rice:
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Spices:
Stir in the curry powder, ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aromas.
Cook Rice:
Add the rinsed basmati rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the rice with the spices. Add the water, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
Add Peas:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the rice. Stir to combine and continue cooking until the peas are heated through and the rice is fully cooked.
Fluff and Serve:
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
