Flavouring rice

[AtleastitsnotMonday]

Last year I was at a bring and share type bbq and had this absolutely delicious curried rice salad. The guest that made it (who I don't know so can't ask) said she added her spices to the water whilst the rice cooks.

I would like to have a go at this but can't get my head round what to use. Does anyone do this? Or have any ideas?

If it's specifically "curry" flavours then cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, black pepper plus chilli powder if you want heat.

1 cup basmati
1.6 cups water
pinch of salt
teaspoon of curry powder (or other spices)

Bring to boil, stir and turn the heat down, after 10mins turn the heat off and move to cold ring, fork over very quickly and put the lid straight back on and wait for another 10 mins.

Fry an onion until golden brown (maybe a red pepper too)

Stir into the rice after it has sat.

Cool

Add other chopped veg/ salad stuff

Thank you, I was worried that I needed to cook the spices out some how but if I can just chuck them in all the better!

It probably would taste better with the spices cooked out, you'll have to experiment.

For a total cheats method (because life is short) I chop up a tablespoon of this and stir it into the rice as it comes to the boil.
https://wiltonwholefoods.com/688-ferns-garlic-pickle-380g-8901682000222.html

Spot of oil, spices /onions finely diced cook from cold, when the onions go translucent add 200g rice, get it hot. Add 400ml water bring to boil, turn heat right down, out the lid on cook for ten minutes. Fluff with fork

Can use stock instead of water

Olive oil
Diced onion, caramelised
Cumin seeds
Star anise
Cinnamon
Bay leaf
Cayenne pepper or green chilli
Salt
Add 1 cup rice
Add 2 cups cold water
Bring to boil
Turn heat right down, out lid on and leave to simmer for 10mins or until water evaporated

Turmeric is good in the water along with other spices as it gives the strong yellow colour. Unless fresh doesn't add a huge amount of flavour. Can be quite subtle. Also a squeeze of tomato puree
?

I add the spices to onions while they are cooking in a little rice, cook a little longer, then add the rice, stir the rice til coated then add stock and cook as usual. I check spices about 5 mins in and add more if needed.