Pulao

Missy Wombat's Note:

A Tongan version of a rice dish from the cookbook produced by the American Peace Corps in Tonga

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1⁄3; cup butter
• 2 ½ cups rice
• 3 cardamom seeds
• 6 cloves
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup almonds , blanched
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 pieces mace
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch saffron
• 4 inches cinnamon sticks

Directions:

1. Melt the butter and add the rice.
2. Brown it well without scorching it.
3. Add the cardamom, cloves, raisins, almonds, sugar, salt and saffron.
4. Stir in the pan for about 1 minute.
5. Cover with water, add the cinnamon and bring to the boil.
6. Boil for 1 minute and then lower the heat to simmer very gently in a covered saucepan.
7. Cook until the rice is tender, adding water a little at a time, should liquid become absorbed before rice is cooked.