Saudi Carrot Basmati Rice (Zainab's Mom's)

I give this 5 stars. It's very delicious and a nice colourful presentation. I serve this along with a small whole roasted chicken and a fresh salad. Modified from http://arabicbites.blogspot.com.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 2
• Yields: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups basmati rice
• 1  medium carrot, shredded
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  kabsa spice mix (Saudi Kabsa Spice Mix)
•  fresh ground black pepper
•  salt
• 2 3⁄4 cups  chicken stock
• 1⁄4 cup pine nuts

Directions

1. Also required: 2 paper towels cut in half.
2. Wash rice in a sieve until water runs clear.
3. Soak rice for at least 15 minutes in a pot of cold water.
4. Toast pine nuts in a small dry frying pan until browned a bit. Be careful not to burn them.
5. Drain rice and add all ingredients to a large bottomed pot.
6. Cover and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 13-18 minutes, still covered.
8. Uncover and fuff with a fork leaving it on the same burner.
9. Place 3 of the paper towel pieces around the rim of the pot and cover tightly again.
10. Use the forth one for any mess or save for later.
11. Leave to sit for 20 minutes with paper towels. (This makes for fluffier rice).
12. Fluff again and serve.