Step 1 of 11

Soak the rice

Put the rice in a large bowl of cold water, swirl it with your hand and pour off the cloudy water; repeat 3 or 4 times, until the water runs almost clear. Cover it with fresh cold water and leave it to soak for at least 20 minutes; it can wait there until the broth is ready. Measure the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, cumin, coriander and pepper into one small bowl so they're ready.

— Rinsing washes off the loose starch that makes rice gummy, and soaking lets the grains cook long and separate.