Spiced Egg Fried Rice

1.Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2.In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and a pinch of salt. Cook until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside to cool.

3.In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, and peppercorns) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4.Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

5.Push the onions to one side of the skillet and crack the eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the onions.

6.Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt to taste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7.Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.