Aromatic Basmati Rice

Heat the oil in a heavy based saucepan and fry the cinnamon, bay leaves, cardamom pods and black peppercorns for 30 seconds.

Add the rice and fry until it starts to stick to your pan (less than 4 minutes).

Add salt and boiling water. When the water starts boiling again, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Basmati rice is cooked when you see water escaping underneath the lid of your pan.