Hadrami Restaurant-Style Basmati Rice
Unveil the secrets of Hadrami Restaurant-style Basmati Rice! 
A symphony of aromatic spices, flavorful tomatoes, and perfectly cooked basmati rice, creating a culinary masterpiece that will transport you to the heart of Hadramawt.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups long-grain basmati rice
– 4 onions (600g), chopped
– 50g tomato paste
– 1 tbsp garlic (15g)
– 3 tomatoes (400g), diced
– 1/2 tsp each of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, coriander, cumin, and black pepper
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 tsp vegetable bouillon
– 8 cups water
– 1 tbsp salt
– 1 tsp cumin seeds
– 1 tsp coriander seeds
– 1 tsp black pepper
– Cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, cardamom, and cloves
– Hot peppers
– Saffron or sazon (for seasoning)
– Vegetable oil (for frying)
– 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
1. **Prepare Rice:**
– Wash basmati rice thoroughly and soak for 30 minutes.
– In a pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the soaked rice. Cook until the rice is 70% cooked. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare Spice Mix:**
– In a mortar, crush cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and black pepper.
3. **Cook the Onions:**
– In a large pot, fry chopped onions in vegetable oil until golden brown.
4. **Create the Flavor Base:**
– Add garlic, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and the spice mix. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
5. **Season and Layer:**
– Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, hot peppers, and vegetable bouillon. Season with saffron or sazon.
6. **Layering the Rice:**
– Begin layering the partially cooked rice over the spice mixture. Alternate layers until all the rice is used. Top with raisins if desired.
7. **Cooking:**
– Make holes in the rice with the back of a wooden spoon. Drizzle with vegetable oil. Cover the pot with a cloth and a tight-fitting lid. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes.
8. **Fluff and Serve:**
– Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the Hadrami-style Basmati Rice on a platter, ensuring to mix the layers for a delightful blend of flavors.
Bring the essence of Hadrami cuisine to your table! Share your Hadrami-style Basmati Rice and let the flavors speak for themselves