Sweet rice

Description

You can prepare this rice without using coconut oil, using only butter. Be sure to choose good-quality rice, and when removing the orange zest, avoid the white layer at all costs, otherwise the entire dish will become bitter.

Instructions

1. 1

   Step 1

   Peel the onion and carrot, rinse under cold running water, finely chop the onion, and grate the carrot on a coarse grater.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Crush saffron in a mortar and pour 1 tablespoon of hot water over it. Carefully remove the zest from an orange and slice it thinly. Lightly toast the almonds in a hot dry skillet.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Rinse basmati rice and soak in cold water for 1 hour. Then drain the rice and rinse under cold running water until the draining water becomes clear.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Pour water into a saucepan, add salt, and bring to a boil. Add rice, bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the saucepan with a lid and cook for 20 minutes.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes, then add the butter and fluff with a fork. The rice should be dry and fluffy.

6. 6

   Step 6

   While the rice is cooking, heat a small skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion in coconut oil for 5-7 minutes, until it browns.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Add carrots, almonds, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric to the onion and cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, until the carrots become soft.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Add 1/2 cup pistachios, orange zest, honey, and cook together for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is warmed through. Season with salt.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Transfer the rice to a large bowl, add the carrot mixture, strained saffron infusion, and gently mix.

10. 10

    Step 10

    Garnish the sweet rice with the remaining pistachio kernels and serve hot or warm as a standalone dish or as a side to meat.