Fragrant East Indian Basmati Rice

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 teaspoon toasted cumin seed
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 -4 green cardamom pods (or 3/8 teaspoon ground cardamom)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 teaspoon curry powder or 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/8 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon broken cashews or 1 tablespoon peanuts
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh mint
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 -4 whole dried red chilies or 1 seeded diced green chili pepper