Mexican Rice

2 large onions
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. ground coriander seed
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 cups long-grain white rice
3 cups puréed tomatoes
2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups boiling water

• Peel and coarsely chop the onions, mince the garlic, and sauté them both in the olive oil until the onions are a golden color. Add the ginger, coriander, cloves, and pepper, stir, and then add the rice. Continue sautéing the mixture, stirring often, until the rice is coated.
• Add the puréed tomatoes, salt, and boiling water. Stir the mixture once, then cover and simmer the rice over low heat for another 25 minutes. All the liquid should be absorbed.

Makes 8 servings