Rice Pilaf (African)

• olive oil↗2 tablespoons
• onions, finely chopped↗2
• basmati rice↗1 3⁄4 cups
• raisins↗1⁄2 cup
• fresh chili pepper, chopped↗1

  to taste

• lime zest↗4 teaspoons
• cinnamon stick↗1 -2
• cardamom pods, seeds of↗2
• salt↗2 teaspoons
• water↗4 cups
• slivered almonds↗1⁄2 cup
• fresh parsley leaves, chopped↗4 tablespoons
• fresh ground pepper↗

  to taste

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In a large saucepan, heat the oil and saute the onions until soft.

2. 2

   Stir in the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the raisins, chili, lime zest, cinnamon sticks, cardamon, salt and 4 cups of water and stir well.

4. 4

   Cover the pan and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, lightly toast the slivered almonds in a dry frying pan.

6. 6

   Remove the saucepan from the heat and fluff up the rice with a fork.

7. 7

   Stir in the almonds, parsley and season to taste before serving.