Thursday?s Side Dish: Cinnamon Basmati Rice

A Bollywood rendition for rice

Everything comes together in this side dish, which is an East-Indian departure from the usual baked potato or macaroni salad carb component to a meal. Basmati rice has a delicate texture and popcorn-like aroma that compliments the tart golden raisins and sweet peaches. Adding a cinnamon stick helps bring out the nutty flavor of the basmati rice. The recipe here is one we have used. Different variations of this dish may call for peas, pine nuts, crushed almonds, or minced cilantro. Substitute golden raisins with regular raisins or sun-dried tomatoes. If you?re willing to spice things up, add a pinch of ground cumin or cardamom.