Rice, Fruit and Almond - Pilaf | My Mother is a Baker

1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup olive oil (not quite this much)
1 cup small onion, finely chopped
1 cup rice
1 1/2 cups hot water
1/2 cup orange juice
salt and pepper
1 small tart apple - peeled, cored and diced
1/2 cup raisin
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toast almonds in baking dish on oven, stirring occasionally until lightly browned (about 5 minutes) Transfer to a bowl and cool.

In a deep frying pan, heat oil over low heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until tender (about 5 minutes). Raise heat to medium, add rice and saute for 2 minutes. Add water, juice, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 10 minutes.

After rice has cooked 10 minutes, add apple and raisins, lightly stir in cinnamon and almonds. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

Use as a stuffing for chicken or a side dish.

Serves 4-6

Val