Geelrys — Cape Yellow Rice with Raisins

Ingredients

• 1½ cups basmati rice, rinsed
• 2¼ cups water
• ½ cup raisins
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt

Method

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan and toast the cinnamon stick, cloves, and turmeric for 30 seconds until the pot smells sweet and the turmeric loses its raw edge.
2. Add the rinsed rice and stir until every grain is coated and glowing yellow, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in the water with the sugar, salt, and raisins. Bring to a boil, then drop to the lowest heat, cover, and cook 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
4. Rest off the heat 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and fish out the cinnamon stick. Serve with curry, bobotie, or a bredie — it exists to sit under something saucy.