BASMATI RICE WITH RAISINS, NUTS AND PEAS

Basmati Rice with Raisins, Nuts and Peas image

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

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2 cups basmati rice (available at Indian markets, specialty foods stores and some supermarkets)
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 cinnamon stick
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

Steps:

Rinse rice under cold running water. Place rice in large bowl. Add enough water to cover by 3 inches. Let stand 20 minutes. Drain.
Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions; sauté until golden, about 8 minutes. Add cumin, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, bay leaves and cinnamon; sauté until onions are brown, about 4 minutes.
Add rice to spices and stir 2 minutes. Add 4 cups water, cream, salt and saffron. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover saucepan almost completely and cook until almost all liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
Add peas to rice. Cover and simmer until rice is tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with nuts and raisins.