Rice pilaf with apricots, raisins and pine nuts

---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.02
  
       Title: RICE PILAF WITH APRICOTS, RAISINS AND PINE NUTS
  Categories: Rice, Vegetarian
       Yield: 6 servings
  
     1/4 c  Olive oil
   1 1/2 c  Rice, brown;long grain
       1 pn Saffron strands; opt
     1/2 c  Apricots, dried;snipped into
            -slivers
     1/2 ea Cinnamon stick
       8 ea Cloves
       4 ea Cardamom pods; lightly
            -crushed
            -Salt & pepper
       3 c  -Water
       2 ea Onions; peeled & sliced
     1/3 c  Raisins
     1/2 c  Pine nuts;or slivered
            -almonds
 
 ---------------------------------TO GARNISH---------------------------------
            Mint sprig
  
   Heat half the oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the rice and
   saute for 5 minutes, stirring gently.
   Add the saffron, if using, the apricots, spices, 1 teaspoon salt and
   the water.
   Bring to a boil, then cover tightly and leave to cook over very gentle
   heat for 45 minutes. Then turn off the heat and leave covered.
   Saute the onion in the remaining oil for 10 minutes, until softened
   and lightly browned. Add to the rice, together with the raisins and
   nuts. Check the seasonings and stir lightly with a fork. Garnish with
   a mint sprig to serve.
  
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