Spicy Fried Rice

This is a very easy and tasty rice dish that would compliment any Indian meal or any other meal that you would serve with rice. I suggest you serve it with Chana Masala or Moong Dal and a vegetable dish.

Spicy Fried Rice

1 cup of basmati rice
2 cups of water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 - 2 tablespoons of oil, or a combination of butter and oil
1 inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
3 whole cloves
3 whole green cardamoms
1 inch piece of cinnamon stick
4 - 5 peppercorns

Rinse the rice well under warm water. Soak in the water for at least 30 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking liquid and let air dry for abut 20 minutes.

In a medium pot, heat the oil. When hot, add the onion and stir and fry until it begins to brown. Add the ginger, garlic and salt to the pot, and stir and fry for another few minutes. Remove a few tablespoons of the onion mixture for garnishing and set aside.

Next, add the rice, cumin seeds, cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon stick and peppercorns to the pot. Stir and fry for a few minutes. Add the water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low cover with a tight fitting lid. Cook until the water is absorbed, about 15 - 20 minutes.

Remove from the heat, let sit, covered, for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork and serve with bits of fried onion sprinkled on top along with a few threads of saffron.