BASMATI RICE WITH RAISINS, NUTS, AND PEAS

2 cups basmati rice
water to cover
4 cups water
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 small onions; thinly sliced
2 tsp cumin seeds
12 whole black peppercorns
8 whole cloves
6 whole cardamom pods
3 bay leaves
1 stick cinnamon
4 cups water
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp saffron threads
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped almonds
1/4 cup chopped cashews
1/4 cup raisins

Rinse rice under cold water. Place in large bowl and add water to cover by 3-inches. Let stand 20 minutes and then drain.

Saute onion in oil until golden, about 8 minutes.

Add cumin, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, bay leaves and cinnamon; saute until onions are brown, about 4 minutes.

Stir in rice and stir about 4 minutes.

Add 4 cups water, cream, salt and saffron. Boil; reduce heat to low, cover almost completely and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Add peas to rice, cover and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper; sprinkle with nuts and raisins.