BASMATI PULLAO (RICE DISH)

Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice picked over, 2 tbsp. vegetable oil, 1 medium-size peeled and chopped onion, 2 inch piece of cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, 1 bay leaf crumbled, 1/2 cup cashew nuts
1/4 cup seedless raisins, 1 tsp. salt

Method: 1. Wash the rice in several changes of cold water until the water is clear, then cover it with plenty more old water and leave it to soak for 30 minutes. 2. Let the rice drain through a sieve for about 30 minutes. 3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat
and lightly cook the onion until it is soft. 4. Add the drained rice, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, cashew nuts, and seedless raisins and stir-fry for 2 minutes over medium heat. 5. Add 2 1/2 cups water to the pan with the salt. Cover tightly, turn the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, adding a little extra water during cooking if necessary, until the rice is tender and fluffy and all the water is absorbed. (Serves 4 People)