BASMATI RICE AND TOASTED ALMOND PILAF Servings Serves six Ingredients 2 cups rice 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion small dice 1 carrot small dice 1 stalk celery small dice 2 cups beef broth 2 cups water 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 cup sliced almonds (3 1/2 oz) 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Technique Rinse rice in a large sieve under cold water, then drain Heat oil in a heavy pot over moderate heat until hot but not smoking Then cook onion, carrot and celery stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes Add rice and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 3 minutes Stir in broth and water and bring to a boil Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until rice is tender While rice is cooking, melt butter in a 10-inch skillet over moderate heat until foam subsides Then cook almonds, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes Add almonds, salt, and pepper to rice and stir gently to combine