Basmati Rice with Raisins & Cashews

Heat oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add nuts and sauté until toasted, about 1 minute. Add rice, raisins, salt, pepper and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. With a fork, fluff the rice and stir in scallions. Microwave Variation: Toss nuts with oil in a 2 1/2-quart casserole. Microwave on High until nuts are golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Add rice, raisins, salt, pepper and water. Cover casserole with a lid or vented plastic wrap and microwave on High power 5 minutes. Stir once, cover and microwave on Medium, without stirring, until rice is cooked, about 10 minutes more. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. With a fork, fluff the rice and stir in scallions.