NEW YEAR ALMOND RICE
This recipe is adapted from “Great Vegetarian Dishes.”
(a.k.a – Rice with Green Peas and Almonds)

1 C. basmati rice or other long-grain white rice
4 green cardamom pods
2 C. water
¾ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. turmeric
3 Tbsp. ghee or oil
1 cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
½ C. slivered or sliced raw almonds
1 C. fresh or frozen peas

1. Wash, drain and dry rice.
2. Lightly tap each cardamom pod to partially crush.
3. Bring water, salt, and turmeric slowly to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan over moderate heat.
4. Heat the ghee or oil in another saucepan over moderately low heat. Fry the cinnamon stick, cloves, brushed cardamom pods and almonds in the hot ghee or oil until the almonds turn pale golden brown.
5. Add the rice and sauté for about 2 minutes or until the grains turn whitish. Pour in the boiling salted turmeric water and fresh peas (defrosted frozen peas should be added after the rice has been cooking for about 10 minutes).
6. Stir, increase the heat to high, and bring the water to a full boil. Immediately reduce heat to low, cover with tight-fitting lid, and gently simmer, without stirring, for 15-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender and flaky.

Yield: 4-5 servings