Basmati Rice

Basmati Rice 

2 C. basmati

2 2/3 c. water

1 1/4 t. salt

3/4 t. ground turmeric

3-4 whole cloves

1@ cinnamon

3 bay leaves

3 T. unsalted butter, cut up.

Put rice in bowl and wash in several changes of water.  Drain. Pour 5 c. fresh water over rice and soak for 2 hour.  Drain.  Combine drained rice, 2 2/3 c. water, salt, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves in heavy pot and boil.  Cover with tight lid and turn heat very low.  Cook 25 minutes.  Let pot sit, covered, undisturbed, 10 minutes more.  Add small pats of butter to rice and mix gently with a fork.  Don=t eat whole spices (can remove before serving)