1 1/2 c  Basmati Rice
1 tb Oil -- or ghee
1 lg Pinch Saffron-optional
1 pn Turmeric
1/2 ts Salt
2 1/4 c  Hot Water
-Onion Mixture
1 c  Chopped Onion
2 tb Oil -- or ghee
1 ts Fresh Ginger Root -- peeled
& grated
1 1/2 ts Cumin
1 1/2 ts Coriander
1/2 ts Cinnamon
1 pn Cayenne
-Vegetables
1/2 c  Water
1    Carrot -- diced
2 c  Cauliflower -- florets
(small)
1    Green Pepper -- diced
1    Tomato -- diced
1/2 c  Peas
1/3 c  Raisins
3/4 c  Chickpeas
1/3 c  Cashew Pieces -- unsalted
Salt -- to taste

In a saucepan, saute the rice briefly in one tablespoon oil, stirring to
coat each kernel. Crumble in the saffron. Add the turmeric, salt, and the
hot water. Bring the rice to a boil, cover the pan, and reduce the heat.
Simmer for 20 minutes.

While the rice is cooking, saute the onions in the oil for 5 minutes. Mix
in the ginger, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne. Add 1/2 cup water,
the carrot and cauliflower. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 3-4
minutes. Stir in the pepper, tomato, peas, raisins, chick peas, and
cashews. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are barely tender. Add
salt to taste.

Mix vegetables with cooked riced. Place all in a 2-quart casserole, cover,
and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.