Turmeric Rice

2 cups long grain or basmati rice
2 2/3 cups water
1 1/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp ground turmeric
3-4 whole cloves
1 inch stick cinnamon
3 bay leaves
3 tbs unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 tbs cilantro

Put rice in bowl and wash in several changes of water. Drain. Pour water over the rice and let it soak for 1/2 hour. Drain rice in a sieve.

Combine the drained rice, 2 2/3 cups water, salt, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon and bay leaves in a rice cooker. Cook until done. If not using a rice cooker: combine ingredients in a saucepan, bring to boil, lower heat to very low, cover and cook for 25 minutes. Let the pot rest for 10 minutes, covered and undisturbed. Add the small pieces of butter to the rice and mix gently with a fork. Remove whole spices before serving. Garnish with cilantro.

Serves 6