Topic: pilau rice (restaurant style)

[Dylan]

Rinse the basmati rice until the liquid coming off it becomes clear. Then boil it in salted water along with a few pieces of cassia bark, a couple of bay leaves, a piece of star anise, a couple of cloves. Slightly undercook it then drain off the hot water. Return to pan with a knob of ghee. Cover with a tea towel (off the heat) for ten minutes.It will steam in the residual heat. Then add a tiny drop of red and green food coloring (just the cake baking stuff) and cover for a further ten minutes. Finally, fluff with a fork. It should be light and fluffy, with that restaurant "jeweled" effect from the colorings. This rice reheats excellently in a microwave. It also freezes well.

[Tomdip]

I am happy to confirm this method works a treat!