Spiced Rice

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 cup each diced carrots, diced green bell pepper and minced onion

1 cup uncooked, long-grain white rice

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon each ground ginger and cinnamon

2 1/4 cups low-fat chicken or vegetable broth

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped, dried apricots

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

1.  Heat olive oil in a medium, non-stick saucepan over medium heat.  Add carrots, green pepper, and onions.  Cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes.

2.  Add rice, coriander, cumin, ginger, and cinnamon.  Cook and stir for 1 minute.  Add broth, salt and apricots.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer for 15 –  20 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed and rice is tender.  Stir in cilantro.  Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving