Rice With Almonds And Dates Recipes

Steps:

• Place the rice in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Let stand 30 minutes to 1 hour then drain in a fine mesh strainer.
• Place the drained rice in a pot with *2 cups* of water and bring to the boil then cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes.
• In the meantime, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small pan and cook the almonds until starting to brown, stirring often.
• Stir in the dates, raisins, ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick and cloves.
• Turn heat down to low and cook covered for 15 minutes or until the mixture is soft and gooey, stirring often. (Do not overcook or let dry out.).
• After the rice has cooked 10 minutes, remove the pot from the burner without taking off the lid and let stand for 15 minutes.
• Drain the rice in a strainer under warm water and then place half of the rice back in the pot, flattening and spreading it around evenly.
• Dot the first layer of rice with 1 tablespoon of butter.
• Now arrange the cooked almond-date mixture over the rice, spreading it around and flattening with a spatula. Spoon the rest of the rice on top, again spreading it around and flattening the top then dot with 1 tablespoons of butter.
• Invert a heatproof plate on top of the rice or as I did-fold up a tea towel and place it on top of the pot. Cover the pot with the lid and cook on very low heat for 15 minutes.
• After 15 minutes of cooking, remove the pot (but keep the lid on the pot!) to another burner and set aside for another 15 minutes.
• Invert the pot of rice onto a serving platter.
• Serve hot.

Steps:

• While the rice is standing, after cooking, melt the butter in a frying pan.
• Add the almonds, stirring until they turn golden.
• Now add the dates and sultanas, and cook, stirring, for a few more minutes.
• Remove from the stove and mix in the rose water, if used.
• Pile the rice on a dish and arrange the mixture on top of it.

Steps:

• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion, stirring, until tender. Stir in the rice, raisins, broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Stir in almonds before serving.