AN ELEGANT TAKE ON A CLASSIC SIDE, THIS DISH IS COMMONLY USED IN celebrations AND GATHERINGS. THIS RECIPE ADDS SUBTLE flavor AND texture TO YOUR RICE AND CAN EVEN BE enjoyed ON ITS OWN. 

Serves: 6 - 8 people

Cook Time: 30 - 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups basmati rice (washed and soaked)

• ¼ cup oil (Vegetable or Extra Virgin Olive oil, your choice!)

• 1 tbsp butter (unsalted)

• 1 medium finely chopped onion

• 2 tsp garlic paste mix (refer to my garlic paste recipe below!)

• 2 tsp ginger paste mix (refer to my ginger paste recipe below!)

• 2 cinnamon sticks 

• 3 - 4 cardamoms 

• 2 - 3 cloves 

• 1 bay leaf 

• 1 tsp of salt (adjust per your taste)

INSTRUCTIONS:

⋄ Step 1:

Wash your rice and drain thoroughly.

⋄ Step 2:

Using a large pot, add ¼ cup of oil, 1 tbsp of butter, and 1 medium finely chopped onion, over medium-high heat. Gently stir for about 2 minutes (or until your onions become translucent).

Next add 2 teaspoons of garlic paste, 2 teaspoons of ginger paste, 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 - 4 cardamoms, 2 - 3 cloves, and 1 bay leaf to the large pot. Gently stir the mixture for about 1 minute.

Then pour rice into the large pot and cook over low heat for approx 10 minutes (or till the water dries up and the oil separates out).

⋄ Step 3:

Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 3 cups of hot water to the large pot; stir and cook over high heat for about 10 minutes (or until the water begins to bubble). Cover pot and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes.

⋄ Step 4:

Now gently stir your rice. Continue cooking over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes more (keeping the pot covered). Stir occasionally and ensure the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

Once the rice becomes soft and fluffy, your rice is complete. Drain any excess water from the pot.

Serve hot.

From our kitchen to yours, Bismillah.

How to Make Ginger Paste: 

Take 1 medium sized ginger root and a quarter cup of water and blend until you have the consistency of a puree. Set aside and use the required amount for the recipe. Store the remainder in the fridge for future use.

How to Make Garlic Paste: 

Take 1 full head of peeled garlic and a quarter cup of water and blend until you have the consistency of a puree. Set aside and use the required amount for the recipe. Store the remainder in the fridge for future use.