Basmati Rice Pilaf - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 -5 tablespoons butter or 3 -5 tablespoons margarine
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 - 3/4 cup slivered almonds
1 cup basmati rice
1 cup finely chopped carrot
1/2 cup currants (or to taste)
1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced orange rind
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (use more for more spicy, or omit the pepper flakes)
1 3/4 cups good quality chicken broth
1/4 cup water
salt (optional)

Preparation

In a medium saucepan, melt butter.
Saute the onion and almonds over medium heat until onion is soft (not brown) and the almonds are golden.
Stir in rice; cook stirring for about 4 minutes to release flavor.
Stir in chopped carrot, currants, orange peel, cinnamon, black pepper and red pepper flakes.
Carefully stir in chicken broth and water into the rice mixture, stir slightly with a wooden spoon.
Bring to a boil, and reduce heat.
Cover the saucepan and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, and the rice is tender (about 20 minutes).
Season with salt.