Zucchini+Pilaf+With+Almonds

Zucchini Pilaf With Almonds
//Yield// 4 servings //Time// 1 hour Adapted from Louise Beylerian

For the rice:

 * 1/2 cup slivered almonds
 * 1/2 tablespoon butter
 * 1/2 cup long grain rice
 * 1 cup vegetable broth
 * 1/2 teaspoon allspice
 * 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the zucchini:

 * 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
 * 1 medium onion, finely chopped
 * 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
 * 1 pound zucchini, ends trimmed, halved lengthwise (or quartered if large) and cut into 1/3-inch slices
 * 1 teaspoon ground coriander
 * 1 teaspoon ground cumin
 * Pinch of cayenne pepper
 * 1/2 teaspoon salt
 * 2 tablespoon currants or dark raisins
 * 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
 * Freshly ground black pepper

For the yogurt-garlic sauce:

 * 1 cup Greek yogurt, or strained non-Greek yogurt
 * 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or pressed through a garlic press
 * 1 tablespoon dried crushed mint
 * Pinch of cayenne
 * Salt and freshly ground pepper

Method

 * 1. For the rice: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place almonds on a baking sheet, and bake until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes. Remove, and set aside to cool.
 * 2. In a small pan over medium heat, add butter and rice. Stir until the rice is lightly toasted, 5 to 8 minutes. Add vegetable broth, allspice, and salt. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to very low so the broth barely simmers; use a heat diffuser if necessary. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the zucchini.
 * 3. For the zucchini: Place a large sauté pan over medium heat, and add olive oil. Add onion, and cook, stirring, until translucent and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the zucchini, coriander, cumin, cayenne and salt. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add rice and currants, and mix well. If the rice looks dry, add two tablespoons water. Cover, and cook until the zucchini and rice are tender, about 15 minutes. The rice mixture may be uncovered and quickly stirred once or twice, covering it immediately after.
 * 4. For the yogurt garlic sauce: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, mint and a pinch of cayenne. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
 * 5. When the rice and zucchini are ready, top with cilantro, toasted almonds and fresh black pepper. Serve immediately, with yogurt-garlic sauce passed separately