Indian Spiced Rice

Description
Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

 * 3/4 cup chopped dates
 * 1/2 cup chopped onion
 * 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
 * 1/2 cup slivered almonds
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 1 tablespoon butter
 * 2 cups water*
 * 1 cup uncooked aromatic rice
 * 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
 * 3/4 teaspoon salt
 * 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
 * 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

Directions
Cook dates, onion, green pepper, almonds and garlic in butter in 3-quart saucepan until vegetables are tender crisp. Add water, rice, lemon peel, salt, cloves and cardamom. Heat to boiling; stir once or twice. Reduce heat to simmer; cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with fork.