Rice with Dates
An Arab dish often served with grilled fish.
- 2 cups basmati or long-grain rice
- â…” cup blanched almonds, halved
- 5 tablespoons butter or oil
- 3 tablespoons black or golden raisins
- â…” cup coarsely chopped California dates
- Salt
Instructions:
- If using basmati, wash in warm water and rinse under the cold tap. American long-grain does not need washing.
- In a skillet, fry the almonds in half the butter or oil until just golden. Add the raisins and the dates, and stir gently over moderate heat for a few minutes more.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and throw in the drained rice. Boil for 10 minutes, until not quite tender, then drain.
- Melt a tablespoon of butter in the pan. Return the rice and stir in the date-and-almond mixture and the remaining butter or oil. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, and steam o over very low heat for about 20- 30 minutes, until the rice is tender.