Persian Style Shrimp and Rice (Meygoo Polo)

Ingredients

For 4 servings

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 2 yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 inch fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp salt (more if needed)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (see notes)
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)