Ingredients

3/4 cup chicken broth diluted with 1-3/4 cups water, or 2-1/2 cups homemade chicken broth

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions

1-1/4 cups rice

1/4 cup golden raisins

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of ground cardamom (optional)

1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Preparation

Preparation Time: 35 minutes

  1. In small saucepan, bring broth to a boil; set aside.

  2. In medium nonstick saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Stir in carrots and scallions, and saute, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender, 2 to 3 minutes.

  3. Add rice, raisins, pepper, cinnamon and cardamom (if using), and stir to mix. Pour in broth mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.

  4. Stir lemon zest and juice into rice and allow to stand 5 minutes before serving.