Basmati Rice With Black Cardamom - black cardamom pods

Method

• Split open the cardamom pods and remove the sticky seeds, discarding the pods.
• Separate the seeds with a sharp knife and crush them with a mortar and pestle or in a coffee grinder.
• 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.
• Add chopped onion and cook, stirring, until onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add basmati rice, cook, stirring, until the grains look milky and opaque, about 3 minutes.
• 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.
• Remove the pan from the heat, let steam for 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork.