Cover the underside of the pot lid with a clean dish towel, and place the lid tightly on the pot. The towel absorbs extra moisture which otherwise would drip back onto the rice and make it soggy. Cook the rice mixture for 10 minutes over medium heat, and then reduce the heat to allow the rice to steam for another 40 minutes. The heat can then be turned down very low to keep the rice warm before serving. When ready to serve, level the rice and invert the pot over a large serving dish.
Variations Use brown basmati rice.
Double the quantities and cook in a large and wide non-stick pot.