Rice Pilaf with Dates and Parsley

Place rice in medium bowl and add enough water to cover by 2 inches; using hands, gently swish grains to release excess starch. Carefully pour off water, leaving rice in bowl. Repeat four to five times, until water runs almost clear. Using a colander or fine mesh strainer, drain water from rice; place colander over bowl and set aside.

Bring 2.25 cups water to boil, covered, in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add salt amd season with pepper; cover to keep hot. Meanwhile, heat butter over medium heat until foam begins to subside; add onion and sauté until softened but not bowned, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, cinnamon and cardamom and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer.

Add rice and stir to coat grains with butter; cook until edges of rice grains begin to turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir hot seasoned water into rice; return to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 16-18 minutes. Off heat, remove lid and sprinkle dates and parsley over top of rice (do not mix in). Place a clean dry kitchen towel folded in half over saucepan, and then replace lid on top of towel. Let stand 10 minutes; fluff rice with fork and serve.