Rice Pilaf

2 cups Basmati rice 

10 - 12 cardemom pods 

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 or 2 cans chicken broth or vegetable broth

2 tablespoons butter (optional)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt

   

Rinse the rice in a bowl about 2 - 3 times to get rid of the dirt.  Then soak it in water for about 15 minutes. 

Turn the oven on at 350 degrees and let it warm up.  Turn stove to medium high.  Pour olive oil in a pan then put in onions.  When the onions are clear, add garlic.  Stir them for a few minutes.  Break the skin of the cardemom pods then put them in the onions and garlic.  Stir the mixture for a few minutes.  Throw away the soaked water and only add the rice to the mixture.  Pour the broth in the rice.  Add salt according to your taste then add butter.  Put the lid on the pan.  When the water boils, lower the heat to medium and let it sit on the stove until you don't see anymore water on the top.  Turn off the stove and put the pan in the oven for 15 minutes.  The rice is ready when the top looks dry.  You can taste the rice to see that it is cooked through.

This recipe can serve 4 - 6 people.

NOTE:   For every cup of rice, you need 2 cups of liquid.  If you want to use only 1 can of broth then you need to add 2 cups of water.