INGREDIENTS:
1 cup basmati rice

1 dried chili

2 tbsp vegetable oil

½ tbsp black mustard seeds

½ turmeric

finely grated rind of 1 lemon

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

salt to taste

2 cups water

DIRECTIONS:
Rinse the rice in several changes of water and let it soak for 10 min.

Slit the chili lengthwise and seed.

Heat the oil in a heavy bottom pan.

Add the mustards seeds and cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes or until they give off their aroma. Add the chili and stir for 1 minute. â–« Drain the rice.

Return to the pan, add the turmeric and rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until all the grains are coated.

Stir the lemon rind, add the salt to taste.

Pour in the boiling water and return to a boil.

Reduce the heat, cover tightly, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and let stand, still covered for 5 min before serving.