Aromatic Basmati Rice

The perfect companion to Chicken Tikka Masala

Feeding a large family often involves hearing a lot of complaining. Every member of the Do-Little Tribe has strong opinions about what makes food worth eating. Some tribe members "don't enjoy cheese," others complain about mushrooms. Peas are offensive. Green beans are “shelled” and only the seeds are worthy of consumption. Do-Little tribe members who turn noses up at peanut butter sandwiches ("I don't eat chunky peanut butter") will beg for sushi - with a crunchy fried onion topping. Apparently, lunch meat is only acceptable on alternate Thursdays when the moon is waxing . . . but not waning . . .  or full. And who can forget the time when a perceived molecule of egg on toast caused vomiting? (I promise, no eggs were allowed near that particular piece of toast.)

Even though I have many picky palates to please, some meals seems to make everyone happy. Rice is one of the things everyone will eat. Sometimes a meal deserves more than plain, white rice. Exotic main dish flavors demand a more sophisticated partner on the plate. I love to spice up the rice that accompanies Chicken Tikka Masala. The subtle cinnamon flavor makes the dish extra delicious. Plus, it couldn’t be easier to make. Just add a cinnamon stick to the rice and water. I love the comforting aroma that fills my home as it steams. I usually use basmati rice because I like the long grains with the tikka masala. But any rice can be used. If you chose a different variety, be sure to use the correct water to rice ratio (directions will be on the package).

Aromatic Basmati Rice

1 c. basmati rice

1 ½ c. water

cinnamon stick

Rice cooker directions:

Place rice, water and cinnamon stick in rice cooker, cook on white rice setting.

Stove top directions:

In a medium-sized sauce pan boil water. When water is at a full boil, add rice and cinnamon stick, stir once. Cover pan with tight-fitting lid and turn heat to low. Simmer 20 min. Remove from heat and let the pan sit for 5 min more.

Remove cinnamon stick and serve.