7-minute rice pilau

INGREDIENTS

½ Basmati rice
1 onion finely chopped
4 cardamom pods
1 bay leaf
3 cloves
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp salt
Vegetable oil
Water

Optional:
Cashew nuts
Raisins

METHOD

Place a large saucepan on medium heat with 3 Tbsps of oil
Add the chopped onion and soften for 3 minutes
Stir in the spices for 2 minutes
Add the optional ingredients if using any
Place the rice in a measuring jug and mark the volume of the rice used
Add the rice and simmer for 2-3 minutes
Add EXACTLY twice as much water as the volume of rice
Cover and turn the heat up
As soon as the pan starts boiling set a timer to 7 minutes
When the time goes off, turn the heat off.
Cover the pan with a clean tea towel and place the lid on top
Leave to cool.
Once cooled, fluff up the rice with a fork
Reheat in the microwave when needed.