Step 1

Place rice in a large bowl, and fill bowl with cold water. Stir thoroughly or massage rice with your hands, and drain. Repeat this procedure 3 or 4 times until water is crystal clear. Cover rice with fresh cold water, and soak 30 minutes; drain.

Step 2

Meanwhile, add 2 cups water, bay leaves, and kosher salt to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high. Add soaked rice to boiling water, and stir well. Return to a boil, and stir again. Reduce heat to low, and stir one more time. Cover and simmer, undisturbed, until all liquid is absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand, covered, 7 minutes. Add butter, and fluff rice with a fork until butter is melted. Discard bay leaves. Season with additional salt to taste.

Step 3

Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish rice with toasted benne seeds and thinly sliced scallions.