RICE SALAD WITH CURRANTS, ALMONDS AND PISTACHIOS

Rice Salad With Currants, Almonds and Pistachios image

Provided by David Tanis

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups short-grain rice, such as arborio
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons tahini
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 cup currants, soaked in hot water and drained
1 cup whole roasted almonds, roughly chopped
1/2 cup whole roasted pistachios, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons snipped chives
3 tablespoons chopped mint
2 teaspoons chopped savory or thyme
1/2 cup chopped parsley

Steps:

Bring 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add the rice and 2 tablespoons salt. Boil rice as you would pasta, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until done, but still al dente. Drain and spread out on a rimmed baking sheet to cool.
Once cool, transfer rice to a large salad bowl. In a small bowl, stir together olive oil, tahini, lemon juice and lemon zest. Add salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold mixture into rice.
Add currants, almonds, pistachios, chives, mint, savory and parsley. Toss to distribute. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon juice or salt as necessary. Serve at room temperature.