Cumin Rice

First, soak the uncooked white basmati rice for at least 1 hour, then rinse until the water runs clear. Cook the rice like pasta: in a medium pot, boil water, add salt, and when boiling, add the rice. Cook until 85% done. Drain the rice and cover it to steam for 10 minutes off the heat. Fluff before serving and let it cool.

While the rice is cooling, heat a medium pot over medium heat and add ghee, coconut oil, or olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and cumin seeds. When they sizzle after a few seconds, add the curry leaves, slit green chiles, and Kosher salt. Stir for about 15-20 seconds, until they crackle and smell fragrant. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 2 1/2 to 3 cups of the cooked rice. Stir to combine all ingredients. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving. Enjoy!