Rice Pilaf

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. 2
   In a heavy, wide, lidded pan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
3. 3
   Add onion, red pepper, and kosher salt. Sweat the onions and peppers until aromatic, stirring constantly.
4. 4
   Add the rice and stir to coat. Continue stirring until rice smells nutty.
5. 5
   Add chicken broth, orange zest, saffron and water, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Stir once, then cover pan with moistened dish towel (or tea towel).
6. 6
   Place lid on pan and fold towel corners over lid.
7. 7
   Bake for 15 minutes. Then rest at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes without removing the cover.
8. 8
   Meanwhile, simmer peas in salted water until heated through or heat in a microwave.
9. 9
   Remove lid from rice and turn out onto a platter.
10. 10
    Add peas and fluff with a large fork.
11. 11
    Add raisins and pistachios.