Have you ever had good rice? No, I mean like really good rice. Rice that doesn’t need anything extra or even the miraculous substance near and dear to my heart called meat. Well, for the most part, this is what Basmati rice is to me.

I honestly could write a poem about Basmati rice and not feel the shame of my dedication. And please don’t get me wrong, I could definitely live without it but why should I? Unless you have to stick to a with a specific diet, which I can definitely understand. There are a few diets out there where you aren’t allowed to eat rice, but the opposite is also true.

Allspice is a lovely spice. It can have a slightly sweet flavor depending on what you make it with. As for making it with rice, it works wonders. When I say Allspice I am referring to the grounded version and not pimento. I don’t want to confuse you though because for me allspice is the same thing as pimento in Jamaica.

Allspice really does compliment the flavor of Basmati rice. Basmati is a really unique type of rice. Basmati is made several ways that can be really delicious. It can be curried, cooked with cumin, or eaten plain. One of the properties that I love about this rice is that it only takes the correct amount of water it needs to cook rather than soaking up all the water in the pot and making the rice extra mushy.

Jenna Segal does an excellent version of a simple Basmati rice. She is an exceptional cook and an interesting person. Her version is simple and delicious. Basmati by itself packs a bunch of flavors and takes on the flavor of the spices in the pot. You may be able to guess what other flavors compliment Basmati but I’ll just tell you. Curry is one of the many meat dishes that go well with this dish or a simple cabbage recipe seasoned with cumin or turmeric.

Give this recipe a try to spice up this week’s dinner options.

Ingredients

1 cup of basmati rice

1 tbsp of olive oil

1/2 tsp of salt

1/4 tsp of allspice ground

2 cups of water

Instructions

1. You will need to wash the rice to start. Place the rice in a container and pour water over the rice letting it sit for 2 minutes.
2. Use your hand to move the rice around in the container until the water is cloudy. Pour off the water and repeat this process until the water is clear. (Takes 3-5 times depending on how you clean the rice)
3. Place a deep sauce pan on the stove and turn the heat up to medium heat. Add the water to the pan and let boil. Approx. 5 minutes.
4. Add the spices and oil to the pot.
5. When the water has began to bubble add the rice and stir it to mix it properly with the water in the pot.
6. Turn the fire down to low medium heat and cover for 25 minutes.
7. When the rice has been cooking for 20 minutes us a fork to taste and see if it needs more water.
8. If the rice is not fully cooked add 1/4 cup of water and let it sit for a few more minutes.
9. When the rice is complete share into bowls and eat with your favourite vegetables or meat.
10. Enjoy your hard work.