Fruity Pilau Rice

This is a good pilau to serve with the chicken.


Serves 4-6

2 cups basmati rice
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 bay leaf
6 black peppercorns
4 green cardamom pods
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cups golden raisins
1/3 cups silvered almonds
4 cups water

Wash the rice twice, drain and set aside in a sieve.
Heat the butter an oil in a medium sauce pan. Lower the heat and throw in the bay leaf, peppercorns, an cardamom, fry for about 30 seconds.
Add the rice, salt, raisins and almonds. Stir fry for about 1 minute, then pour in the water. Bring to boil, then cover with a tickle-fitted lid and lower the heat. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
Turn off the heat and leave the rice to stand covered for about 5 minutes before serving.