Basmati Rice With Black Cardamom Recipe

Directions:

1. Split open the cardamom pods and remove the sticky seeds, discarding the pods.
2. Separate the seeds with a sharp knife and crush them with a mortar and pestle or in a coffee grinder.
3. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the cardamom seeds and bay leaf, and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring, until onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add basmati rice, cook, stirring, until the grains look milky and opaque, about 3 minutes.
6. Add water, salt and pepper and bring to simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
7. Remove the pan from the heat, let steam for 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork.