Rani's Rice Pilaf

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2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon minced gingerroot

1 cinnamon stick

5 green cardamom pods

2 1/2 cups Basmati or other long grain rice

4 1/2 cups water

Salt, to taste

1/2 to 1 cup golden raisins, if desired