Ingredients

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup green lentil
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 carrots
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 2/3 cup almonds
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron
  • oil (for frying)
  • 6 -8 fluid ounces water

Method

  • Fry the onions in about a tbls. of oil(I use olive) until golden brown in a skillet or saucepan. Add the salt and spices (except for the saffron).
  • Add the rice, lentils, saffron and 5-5 1/2 cups water. Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer until rice is tender, about 20-25 minutes(lentils will be tender also).
  • Just before serving cut the carrots into thin sticks. Saute them in 1-2 teaspoons oil with sugar until tender. Remove from oil and reduce the heat. Add the raisins to the oil and fry until they are swollen. Remove from the oil. Finally add the almonds to the oil(adding a little more if necessary) and brown taking care that they don't burn.
  • Serve the rice topped with the almonds, carrots and raisins.