Quick Pilaf

The key here is to lightly toast the rice. It develops a very pleasant aroma and subtle flavor. This is an adaptation of Daisy Martinez' method demonstrated on her PBS television show.

1 T vegetable oil
1-1/2 c long-grain rice
2-1/4 c 1:1 mixture of water and chicken (or vegetable) stock
1 t cumin
1 t paprika
3/4 t salt

Heat the stock mixture in microwave. Heat the oil in a sauce pan over medium heat, until hot and add the rice and salt. Stir frequently, coating each grain with oil. Cook with stirring until lightly colored and mildly fragrant with a toasty aroma, about 5 minutes. Stir in the seasonings and add the hot stock with stirring, cover, and lower the heat to a simmer. After 15 minutes, take off heat and let rest 5 minutes. Fluff gently before serving.