Basmati Rice Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed until water runs clear and drained well
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves
• 1 cardamom pod
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 3 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup cashews

Directions

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add the onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add the cinnamon, bay leaf, cloves, cardamom and cumin and cook for 1 minute. Add the boiling water and raisins and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the water come back to a boil, stir once, cover the pot, reduce the heat and let cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 10 minutes. Remove lid and fluff with a fork, fold in cashews and reseason with salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature.