Fragrant Rice Pilaf

• 2 12 basmati rice
• 5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 16 whole cloves
• 8 black cardamom pods
• 3 bay leaves, preferably fresh
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• salt
• some cilantro, chopped or in sprigs

1. Rinse the rice (put it in a strainer to make this easier), until the water runs clear.
2. Put the rice in a bowl, cover with the water and set aside to soak, soak 30 minutes.
3. In a large saucepan or dutch oven, heat the oil and toast all the spices for one minute.
4. Drain the rice and add to the pan.
5. Cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until opaque and lightly golden.
6. Add 5 cups of water (you may use the reserved soaking water, but I usually just use fresh water).
7. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
8. You may need to add additional water or cook a bit longer for the rice to get soft.
9. When the rice is served, remind diners that the whole spices are for decoration, not eating.

basmati rice, water, vegetable oil, cloves, black cardamom pods, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, salt, cilantro

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/fragrant-rice-pilaf-28101 (may not work)