Basmati Rice with Raisins, Nuts and Peas

Ingredients

 * 2 cups basmati rice
 * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 * 2 small onions thinly sliced
 * 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
 * 12 whole black peppercorns
 * 8 whole cloves
 * 6 whole cardamom pods
 * 3 bay leaves
 * 1 stick cinnamon
 * 4 cups water
 * 1/4 cup whipping cream
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
 * 1 1/2 cups frozen Peas
 * 1/4 cup chopped almonds
 * 1/4 cup chopped cashews
 * 1/4 cup Raisins

Directions

 * 1) Rinse rice under cold running water.
 * 2) Place rice in large bowl.
 * 3) Add enough water to cover by 3 inches.
 * 4) Let stand 20 minutes. Drain.
 * 5) Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat.
 * 6) Add onions
 * 7) Sauté, until golden, about 8 minutes.
 * 8) Add cumin, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, bay leaves and cinnamon
 * 9) Sauté, until onions are brown, about 4 minutes.
 * 10) Add rice to spices and stir 2 minutes.
 * 11) Add 4 cups water, cream, salt and saffron.
 * 12) Bring to boil.
 * 13) Reduce heat to low.
 * 14) Cover saucepan almost completely and cook until almost all liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
 * 15) Add Peas to rice.
 * 16) Cover and simmer until rice is tender, about 5 minutes.
 * 17) Season with salt and pepper.
 * 18) Sprinkle with nuts and Raisins.

This side dish has whole peppercorns, cardamom and cloves. They are not meant to be eaten, so discard them when serving the rice.

Contributed by

 * World Recipes Y-Group