| 1 | c | Long-grain basmati rice; (preferably sweet*) |
| 1/2 | c | Shelled natural pistachios |
| 1 | tb | Unsalted butter |
| 1 | ts | Ground cardamom |
| 1/4 | ts | Cinnamon |
| 1/4 | ts | Freshly grated nutmeg |
| 3/4 | c | Sugar |
| 3 | c | Whole milk |
| 2 | c | Heavy cream |
| 2 | | Bananas; cut into 1/4-inch dice |
| | GARNISH |
| | About 1/4 cup shelled natural pistachios |
| | MELON COMPOTE |
| 1 1/2 | c | Sugar |
| 1/2 | c | Water |
| 1/4 | c | Fresh lime juice |
| 1 | | 1-inch piece gingerroot; peeled and grated |
| 1 1/2 | ts | Ground cumin |
| | Freshly ground black pepper to taste |
| 2 | c | 3/4-inch watermelon balls; (from about a 3-pound piece, seeded) |
| 2 | c | 3/4-inch honeydew melon balls; (from about a 3-pound piece, seeded) |
| 2 | c | 3/4-inch cantaloupe balls; (from about a 3-pound piece, seeded) |
