Fragrant East Indian Basmati Rice

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted cumin seed
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 -4 green cardamom pods (or 3/8 teaspoon ground cardamom)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 teaspoon curry powder or 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/8 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon broken cashews or 1 tablespoon peanuts
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh mint
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 -4 whole dried red chilies or 1 seeded diced green chili pepper

Recipe

• 1 toast 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds over medium heat in a pot you wish to cook your rice in, until seeds become aromatic and lightly pop.
• 2 add 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 4 whole green cardamom pods or 3/8 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/8 cup frozen peas (optional). note: add the curry powder or turmeric from the creative additions for yellow rice; add up to 4 of the remaining suggested ingredients now as well, if desired.
• 3 raise heat to high.
• 4 bring to a boil.
• 5 add 1 cup basmati rice.
• 6 cover.
• 7 boil 1 1/2 minutes.
• 8 reduce heat to lowest setting for 40-45 minutes.
• 9 remove cardamom pods and cinnamon stick if desired; fluff rice with a fork before serving.
• 10 serve with your favorite indian entree and enjoy!