Recipe: Basmati Rice Salad with Currants and Nuts

BASMATI RICE SALAD WITH CURRANTS AND NUTS

4 cups water
2 cups brown basmati rice
1 1/3 cups thinly sliced green onions
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced celery
3/4 cup minced fresh parsley
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup dried currants
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
5 tablespoons olive oil
5 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

Combine 4 cups water and rice in large saucepan. Bring to boil. Cover; reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 35 minutes. Drain if necessary. Transfer rice to large bowl. Fluff with fork. Cool.

Mix in green onions, celery, parsley, pecans, currants and walnuts.

Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce and cumin in small bowl to blend. Pour over rice salad; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

Serves 6 to 8 as a side-dish or snack