Step 1

Melt the butter very gently in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the sliced onion, cinnamon, bashed cardamom pods, cloves, turmeric, salt and bay leaves. Cover with a lid and cook on a low heat for 5-10 minutes until the onions are very soft but not brown, stirring occasionally.

Step 2

Add in the basmati rice and stir to coat the rice in the onions and spices.

Step 3

Pour in 600ml boiling water and bring back to the boil. Cover with a lid and turn the heat right down. Continue cooking for 8 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.

Step 4

Turn the heat off completely (take the saucepan off the burner if you are using electric), but leave the lid on. Allow the rice to steam for 5 minutes.

Step 5

Serve with your favourite curry or why not try this with my Lamb Rogan Josh?