Tiredness and coldness

Neither makes me feel terribly inspired in the cooking department.

A combination of late nights for work, poor sleep, and a half marathon have conspired to make me feel a bit drained of energy these last few days. I'm officially in a grump!

However, I have discovered a nice lunch salad recently which has made a good work packed lunch for a few days - continuing my exploration of Middle Eastern cooking I have been eating Persian rice and Pistachio salad. A bit more interesting than a soggy sandwich from the canteen!

Persian Rice and Pistachio Salad (for 1)

40g brown long grain rice (or white, I just happen to prefer brown in this as the nutty flavour complements the other ingredients well)
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
Pinch ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
15g dried fruit of your choice (sultanas or raisins seem to work well)
50ml freshly squeezed orange juice
A small amount of fresh mint leaves
15g shelled pistachio nuts
2 sticks celery - chopped finely
Small handful of salad leaves
Salt and black pepper

Put the brown rice in a pan with the spices, salt, and orange rind. Cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Simmer for about 30 minutes (top up the water as it is absorbed by the rice - don't let it dry out). Once the rice is cooked take the pan off the heat and stir in the dried fruit, pepper, mint, and orange juice. allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before stirring in the pistachios and celery. Serve with a few salad leaves.