Spiced Brown Basmati Rice

1 tablespoon ghee
1 cup brown basmati rice
2 cups boiling water or stock
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
3 scallions, chopped
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
4 black peppercorns
2 black cardamom pods
1 teaspoon cumin seed
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper

1. Heat ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the onions, frying until lightly browned.
2. Add the sugar and allow it to caramelize, then stir in the scallions, cinnamon stick, cloves, pepper, cardamom, cumin seed and bay leaf.
3. Stir the rice into the skillet, then pour boiling water overtop. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover, cooking until rice is tender, about 45 minutes to an hour.

Makes 4 servings