Rice Pilaf (African)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 3/4 cups basmati rice
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 fresh chili pepper, chopped (to taste)
• 4 teaspoons lime zest
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 cardamom pods, seeds of
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup slivered almond
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• fresh ground pepper, to taste

Directions

1. 1

   In a large saucepan, heat the oil and saute the onions until soft.

2. 2

   Stir in the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the raisins, chili, lime zest, cinnamon sticks, cardamon, salt and 4 cups of water and stir well.

4. 4

   Cover the pan and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, lightly toast the slivered almonds in a dry frying pan.

6. 6

   Remove the saucepan from the heat and fluff up the rice with a fork.

7. 7

   Stir in the almonds, parsley and season to taste before serving.