Moroccan Rice Pilaf with Saffron

Ingredients

• long grain rice
• butter
• olive oil
• onion
• garlic cloves
• cinnamon stick
• salt
• ginger
• white pepper
• cumin
• turmeric
• fresh cilantro
• peas
• red bell pepper
• carrot
• chicken stock
• saffron thread

Preparation

1. 1in a sauce pan , heat the stock almost to boiling
2. 2meanwhile , mix the remaining ingredients in a very large skillet or shallow stock pot
3. 3cook the rice and vegetables over medium heat , stirring frequently , for about 10 minutes , or until the onions are translucent and the rice begins to color
4. 4add the stock and saffron to the rice , stirring only once
5. 5bring the stock to a simmer , and taste for salt
6. 6adjust the seasoning if desired
7. 7cover the rice , reduce the heat to low , and simmer gently and undisturbed , for about 25 minutes , or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender
8. 8fluff the rice with a fork , and serve