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