Fruited Basmati Pilaf with Pistachios

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups rice uncooked
• 1  bay leaves 
• 0.3 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons butter 
• 1 stick cinnamon (1-inch)
• 0.8 teaspoon fennel seeds crushed
• 0.8 cup golden raisins 
• 0.1 teaspoon ground cardamom 
• 0.8 cup peas green frozen
• 0.5 cup pistachios toasted chopped
• 0.1 teaspoon saffron threads crushed
• 1.5 teaspoons salt 
• 1 cup shallots thinly sliced
• 2.5 cups water 

Equipment

• frying pan
• sauce pan

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shallots, and saut 8 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Combine water and rice in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Stir in green peas and the next 8 ingredients (through bay leaf); cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Discard cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Stir in shallots and pistachios.