Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      cup           basmati rice
   1 1/2  cups          water
   2      quarts        light cream or half-and-half
   1      cup           sugar
     1/2  teaspoon      ground cardamom
   2      teaspoons     rosewater optional
     1/2  cup           pistachio nuts -- chopped

Preparation:

Place rice in a bowl and add cold water to cover. Stir vigorously with your fingertips, then drain off the water. Repeat this process several times until the water runs almost clear. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the drained rice and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer until the water is absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes. In a large saucepan, combine the rice with the light cream or half-and-half, sugar and cardamom. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, until the liquid is absorbed, about 1 hour, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Remove from the heat, transfer to a serving bowl, and cool to room temperature, Stir in the rosewater and most of the pistachios, reserving some for garnish. Serve at room temperature or cover and chill.