Persian Rice Pilaf

Photo: flickr user robanhk

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 small onion chopped

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 1/2 cups uncooked basmati rice

1/2 cup golden raisins

1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups chicken broth

Preparation

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; add onion and almonds, and saute 7 minutes or until onion is tender and almonds are golden. Stir in rice and next 4 ingredients; saute 2 minutes. Add broth, and bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until rice is tender.

This recipe yields 6 cups.

Comments: Real basmati rice has a distinctive nutty flavor and fragrant aroma. If you can't find it, try American-grown Texmati, which is a cross between long-grain and basmati rices, or substitute the regular long-grain kind.

Yield: 6 cups