30-Minute Mediterranean Rice (Yellow Basmati Rice)

Ingredients

• 3 cups long grain basmati rice
• 4.5 cups chicken broth (substitute water)
• 1/4 cup olive oil ((or 4 tablespoons))
• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 5 whole cloves
• 5 whole green cardamom
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large pot over medium heat, heat up the olive oil before adding in the finely diced onions

2. 2

   Sauté until the onions have softened

3. 3

   Add the whole peppercorns, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon sticks and continue to stir for a few more minutes

4. 4

   Add in the salt and the turmeric and continue sautéing for another minute

5. 5

   Wash and rinse the basmati rice before adding it into the pot

6. 6

   Stir gently for a few minutes, being careful not to break up the rice grains. Add the chicken broth (or water). Bring to a boil

7. 7

   Once the surface of the rice is bubbling (which should take 3-5 minutes), cover with a tight fitting lid, reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes undisturbed

8. 8

   After 20 minutes, turn the heat off and open the lid. Fluff very gently with a fork or the back of a spatula. Cover and allow it to rest for 10 minutes

9. 9

   Garnish with parsley, toasted almonds and raisins if desired before serving