NAV RATTEN PULAO
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[rice pilau with spices, raisins, and lots of other muck]

Ingredients:

  1 cup basmati rice
  2 tbsp oil
  2 onions
  1 tsp cumin seeds
  2 cloves
  2 small pcs cinnamon
  salt
  2 green cardamom pods
  2 bay leaves
  1/2 cup peas
  2 tbsp raisins
  2 cups water
  1/4 cup pineapple chunks
  1/4 cup cashews


Directions:

  1) Wash rice and soak in water for 15 minutes.

  2) While rice is soaking, cut onions lengthwise and (optional) cut
     cashews into smaller pieces.

  3) Heat oil and fry onions till golden brown.  Take out and keep aside.
     (Optional: leave half the onions in the pan to give the rice
     a caramelized colour.)

  4) Put cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom pods and bay leaves in
     the hot oil.  Add rice and salt, fry for 2-3 minutes.  Add peas,
     raisins, and water.

  5) Cook on low heat 15-20 minutes; when cooked, cover with a dry cloth
     and let sit for a few minutes to absorb any moisture left in the rice.

  6) Serve garnished with finely cut pineapple, cashews, and browned
     onions.