
We usually decorate rice with sautéed almonds and raisins for special occasions. The meat dressing follows the recipe.
2 cups basmati long grain rice
4 cups water
½ tsp salt
a pinch of saffron threads or powder
4 cardamom pods
¼ cup vegetable oil
2tbs rose water(optional)
Pour the oil in a pot and sauté rice for one minute. Add salt , saffron and cardamom and pour the water. Bring it to boil. When the water is almost absorbed lower the heat, add rose water and leave it to steam for 20 minutes. Stir it and serve it on a plate. Decorate with almonds and raisins.
Meat Dressing
1/2 pund ground lamb or ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup blanched almonds or pine nuts
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Arabic spice(cinnamon,allspice,black pepper,cloves)
Saute meat in a non stick pan. Add the onions, salt and spices. Keep sauteing until the onions are cooked.
In a separate pan, saute the almonds with 2 tbs. of vegetable oil. When they get toasted, add the raisins and keep sauteing for one minute. Sprinkle some spices over it. Add to the meat and spread it over the rice.