Basmati Rice with Black Cardamom

Description
About the size of a whole nutmeg, black cardamom has the most wonderful spicy scent. It will be your new favorite spice too, especially after you taste it in this rice dish.

Ingredients
2 	 	black cardamom pods 1 	tablespoon 	butter 1 		bay leaf, large 1/2 	cup 	onion, chopped 1 	cup 	basmati rice 2 	cups 	water 3/4 	teaspoon 	salt 1/4 	teaspoon 	black pepper

Directions
1. Split open the cardamom pods and remove the sticky seeds, discarding the pods. Separate the seeds with a sharp knife and crush them in a mortar and pestle. 2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add cardamom seeds and bay leaf and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. 3. Add onion and cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. 4. Add rice and cook, stirring, until it looks milky and opaque, about 3 minutes longer. 5. Add water, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer; reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. 6. Remove the pan from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork.

Nutritional Info
Number of Servings: 4 Per Serving 	Amount portion 	1cup calories 	176 protein 	3g fat 	4g carbohydrate 	33g sodium 	4mg cholesterol 	8mg