Plain Pilau

This is a fragrant, slightly sweet rice dish that goes well with very hot and spicy curried dishes; and it's delicious on its own. The recipe was adapted from: "the vegetarian epicure, book two", by Anna Thomas.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 4  tablespoons butter
• 2  cups white rice, long-grain
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 8  cardamom pods, seeds only
• 1⁄4 cup  almonds, blanched and slivered
• 1⁄2 cup raisins
• 1  cup peas
• 4  cups hot water
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a large, fireproof casserole and fry the rice in it over low heat until it just starts to color.
2. Add the cinnamon and the crushed cardamom seeds; stir and continue frying for a minute or two.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir briefly.
4. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat, cover the casserole tightly, and let the rice steam for about 20 minutes.
5. All the water should be absorbed and the rice just tender but not mushy.