To cook Basmati rice on the stove top, bring 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add the rice, 2 tsp salt, and the bay leaf. Stir and return to a boil. Boil uncovered for 12 minutes. Remove bay leaf ,use a strainer to drain the rice and rinse with hot water. Pour into a large bowl. Stir in the chopped cilantro and the lime juice.

To cook long-grain rice on the stove top, bring 4 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add rice, 2 teaspoons salt, bay leaf, and the oil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Stir in the cilantro and the lime juice.