Ginger Apricot Rice With Peanuts

• basmati rice (or other long grain rice)↗1 cup
• vegetable oil↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• onion, chopped↗1⁄2 cup
• celery, chopped↗1⁄2 cup
• fresh gingerroot, finely minced1 teaspoon
• dried apricot, chopped↗1⁄4 cup
• curry powder↗1 teaspoon
• turmeric↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• ground cinnamon↗1⁄8 teaspoon
• ground cloves↗1⁄16 teaspoon
• water↗2 cups
• salt↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• peanuts, coarsely chopped, dry roasted, unsalted↗2 tablespoons

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Wash the rice and soak if desired. If you are using a rice other than basmati, skip this step.

2. 2

   Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and celery. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 minute.

3. 3

   Add ginger root. Continue to cook 2 minutes more.

4. 4

   Add apricots and spices, along with about a tbsp of water. Continue to cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly and adding small amounts of water if necessary, about a tbsp at a time to prevent sticking.

5. 5

   Add water starting with the rice soaking water if you are using soaked basmati rice, and adding enough tap water to equal the 2 cups. Add salt.

6. 6

   Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. When water boils again, stir, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and simmer gently for 20 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed.

7. 7

   Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Fluff rice with a fork, spoon into a serving bowl and top with peanuts.