'Peas' be with you! Jeera rice with green peas.

Jeera rice (cumin flavoured rice) is quick 'n' easy and goes really well with almost any curry. It's a step ahead from the plain basmati rice. So if you feel like adding a special touch to your menu, try jeera rice.

• basmati rice 1 cup (serves 2)
• 2 tbspns ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 heaped tbspn jeera or cumin seeds
• 2 small barks of cinnamon, some cloves, a couple of cardamom pods, 1/2 tspn peppercorns, a couple of bay leaves (I refer to this as whole garam masala)
• a handful of cashewnuts
• 1/2 cup greean peas
• salt to taste

I use a pressure cooker for this one, but you could also use a deep nonstick saucepan.

1. Heat the ghee and add the whole garam masala.
2. Put in the jeera and cashews and saute for a few minutes till the cashews are roasted.
3. Add the peas and saute for a couple of seconds.
4. Wash the rice well and drain. Add the washed rice and stir lightly, mixing everything.
5. Fry the rice on medium heat for a few minutes. The final product needs to be grainy rather than sticky, so the more you fry the rice, the better.
6. Once done, add double the measure of water and salt to taste.
7. If you're cooking in the pressure cooker allow 3 whistles.
8. If you're cooking in the saucepan, cover and let simmer and cook till all the water evaporates.

Smells appetising, looks appetising and tastes great too!