Fragrant East Indian Basmati Rice

• BASIC RECIPE
• 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
• CREATIVE ADDITIONS FOR YELLOW RICE (ADD CURRY POWDER OR TURMERIC FIRST PLUS UP TO 4 OTHERS)
• 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 of 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

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!

cumin, water, olive oil, salt, pods, cinnamon, basmati rice, rice, curry powder, frozen peas, cashews, fresh cilantro, mint, garlic, ginger paste, black mustard seeds, garam masala, sesame oil

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/fragrant-east-indian-basmati-rice-408115 (may not work)