Spicy Indian Fried Rice

This is a very easy and tasty rice dish that would complement 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 Indian Fried Rice

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on December 2, 2007 Simple spicy fried rice with Indian seasonings, buttery basmati rice and fried onions — a great side for any Indian meal Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice 1 tablespoon ghee, butter or oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced or grated 1 clove garlic, minced or crushed 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 3 whole cloves 3 green cardamom pods 1-inch piece cinnamon stick 4 to 5 black peppercorns 1/2 teaspoon sea salt pinch of saffron threads (optional) Instructions: Thoroughly rinse the rice and soak in 2 cups of war water for at least 30 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking water, and let the rice dry in a fine-mesh strainer for abut 20 minutes. Heat the ghee, butter or oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and stir for 5 minutes or until it begins to brown. Add the ginger and garlic and continue to stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove a few tablespoons of the fried onion for garnish and set aside. Now add the rice, cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick and peppercorns to the pan, and stir for a few minutes to coat the rice grains with oil. Add the reserved rice-soaking water and stir in the salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, discard the cardamom pods and cinnamon stick, and serve with a scattering of the fried onion on top along with a few threads of saffron if desired. Makes 4 servings