Aromatic Spiced Rice with Green Peas

1. Heat the Oil and Spices

Heat the vegetable oil in a 3-quart heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid until it’s hot. Add the whole cloves, black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods to the hot oil. Stir them for about 10-20 seconds until the spices expand and release a wonderful aroma.

2. Add Rice and Spices

Add the long-grain rice to the pot along with the fresh peas (if using them), ground coriander, ground cumin, and ground turmeric. Stir everything together for about 3 minutes to ensure the rice is well-coated with the spices.

3. Cook the Rice

Pour in 3 cups of water and add the salt, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it begins to boil, cover the pot with the lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook for about 25-30 minutes on low heat.

4. Add Frozen Peas

If you are using frozen peas, defrost them using a colander and some hot water. Once the rice has cooked, gently add the defrosted peas to the pot and allow them to heat through for about 5 minutes.

5. Combine and Serve

Mix the rice and peas gently to combine, being careful not to break the rice grains. Transfer the aromatic spiced rice to a large platter and serve immediately. Enjoy the blend of flavors and aromas with your meal.