Jeera rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 5 teaspoon cumin seeds 
• 3 cloves
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick (1/2 inch long)
• Cashewnut pieces, a few
• 8-10 golden raisins (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee (clarified butter)

Preparation: 

1. Wash the basmati rice twice. Add 2 1/2 cups water to the rice and set aside to soak for 30 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, heat the oil on low heat. Add the cashewnuts and fry until golden and remove. Add the raisins and fry until golden and remove.
3. Add the cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon and fry until cumin seeds are golden.
4. Add the rice along with the water and salt. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes on low heat until the rice is cooked and the water has evaporated.
5. Garnish the jeera rice with cashews and raisins and serve hot.