Coconut Rice

2 tablespoons oil or margarine
3/4 cup chopped onion
4 to 5 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
5 cardamom buds, crushed (optional)
3 whole bay leaves
1/8 teaspoon ground fresh or powdered ginger
2 cloves garlic, mashed
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
3 cups water
2 cup rice
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cashews (optional)

Heat oil or margarine in a heavy saucepan. Add onions and fry for 1 minute. Add cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaves, ginger and garlic. Fry until light brown. Add rice, coconut milk, salt and water. Bring to boil; reduce heat, cover and cook for 30 minutes or until rice is done. If desired, cashews can be added.

Serve with chicken or beef curry or with yogurt chutney.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.