Mushroom Rice (an Indian recipe)

Wash rice, then place in the 1 cup of water while preparing rest of ingredients. Slice mushrooms and onion. Heat the oil over medium heat and add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cloves, and cardamom pods. Cook for 2 seconds. Add sliced onions and saute for 8 minutes. Add mushrooms and saute another 5 or 6 minutes. Add the rice with the water and salt, and gently stir. Increase the heat to high to bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to low and simmer gently for 25 minutes. Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes then stir. If you don't want to add the mushrooms, cook the onions for 12 minutes.