Spiced Basmati Pilaf with Garden Peas

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 8 cardamom pods
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup frozen green peas

Preparation

1. Wash the rice in 3 changes of hot water; drain. Combine rice and 2 cups cold water in a bowl; let stand 30 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Add cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, rice, and salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and cook 5 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed. Fold in peas. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 8 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Remove and discard cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.