Rice Pilaff

Rice Pilaff


1 Tbs (25ml) oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
 ½ cup (125ml) chopped celery
1 small can green chiles, chopped
½ cup (125ml) pine nuts
½ tsp (2ml) each cinnamon and ground cloves
1 tsp (5ml) each ground cumin, coriander and cardamom
2 cups (500ml) rice
4 cups water
Salt and pepper
½ (125ml) cup raisins

Heat oil in a large heavy pot, then sauté onion, garlic and celery until soft. Stir in spices and pine nuts, cook over high heat for about a minute, then add rice and stir to coat well with the oil and spices. Add water, bring to the boil and then cover, turn heat as low as possible and let it simmer for about 25 minutes. Stir in raisins and serve. You can also add shredded chicken or other meat to make this a meal in one dish.