Selecting Rice

Iranian rices are not available in the U.S. at this time, but Indian and Afghan basmati rice, which is like the Persian varieties and gives off much the same flowery scent during cooking, is sold even in supermarkets these days. My favorite rice is the hard-to-find Domsiyah Iranian rice, available at some Persian markets; Aahu Barah and Lal Quilla basmati brands are also good for accomplishing the long, separated pearls of rice appreciated by Iranians. Basmati is usually not pre-washed and should be well cleaned and washed before cooking.