Fruited Basmati Pilaf with Pistachios

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup thinly sliced shallots
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked basmati rice
• 3/4 cup frozen green peas
• 3/4 cup golden raisins
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
• 1 (1-inch) cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, toasted

Preparation

1. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots, and sauté 8 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from heat.
2. 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.