Pilau rice (East African-style)

Ingredients

• 300 g basmati rice
• 2 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Rinse the rice in cold water until it runs clear. Soak 20 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat the ghee in a heavy pan. Fry the onion for 8-10 minutes until deep golden.
3. Add all the whole spices, bay leaf and turmeric. Stir 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the rice. Stir to coat in the spiced oil.
5. Pour in the stock and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover tightly. Reduce heat to the lowest setting and cook 15 minutes.
6. Turn off the heat. Rest, lid on, 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.