Jeera (Cumin) Rice

The easiest of Indian Rice Recipes.

Ingredients:
Basmati/Long Grain Rice - 1 cup
Cumin/Jeera Seeds - 1 tsp
Cashews - 4 (optional)
Cilantro/Coriander Leaves - few sprigs
Bay Leaf - 1
Cloves/Long - 4
Cinnamon/Dalchini - 1/2 inch piece
Ghee/Clarified Butter or Oil - 1 tbsp

Method:
1. Wash rice 3 - 4 times in water.  Use a colander (or any vessel with holes) to drain the water.  Let it drain for 15 - 20 minutes.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pressure cooker.  Add bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon and cumin.  When cumin seeds turn slightly dark, add washed rice and cashew pieces.  Saute rice at low flame for 2 - 3 minutes so that the rice grains are coated with oil.
3. Add salt, 1 1/2 cup water.  Mix and pressure cook the rice till one whistle blows.  Let the pressure drop, about 20 minutes.
4. Mix the cooked rice well.  Garnish with cilantro and serve with a curry or dal fry.  I like Jeera Rice with Shahi Paneer.