Chilled Banana and Pistachio Rice Pudding

*available at East Indian marketsIn a bowl soak rice in cold water to cover 30 minutes and drain in a sieve. Rinse rice under cold water and drain.

In a small saucepan blanch pistachios in boiling water 3 minutes and drain in a sieve. Rinse pistachios under cold water and pat dry. Rub off pistachio skins and chop pistachios coarse.

In a heavy 1-quart saucepan melt butter over low heat and cook cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar, stirring, 1 minute. Add rice, milk, and cream and simmer gently, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender, about 18 to 20 minutes.

Cool pudding and transfer to a serving dish. Stir in pistachios and bananas. Chill pudding, covered, at least until cold, about 4 hours, and up to 2 days. Garnish pudding with pistachios and serve with a melon compote.