Basmati Rice Pilaf

Ingredients

• 3-5 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/2-3/4 cup slivered almond
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1/2 cup currant (or to taste)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced orange rind
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (use more for more spicy, or omit the pepper flakes)
• 1 3/4 cups good quality chicken broth
• 1/4 cup water
• salt (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   In a medium saucepan, melt butter.

2. 2

   Saute the onion and almonds over medium heat until onion is soft (not brown) and the almonds are golden.

3. 3

   Stir in rice; cook stirring for about 4 minutes to release flavor.

4. 4

   Stir in chopped carrot, currants, orange peel, cinnamon, black pepper and red pepper flakes.

5. 5

   Carefully stir in chicken broth and water into the rice mixture, stir slightly with a wooden spoon.

6. 6

   Bring to a boil, and reduce heat.

7. 7

   Cover the saucepan and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, and the rice is tender (about 20 minutes).

8. 8

   Season with salt.