Green Rice

Directions

1. 1
   Put the rice in a large bowl and cover with cold water.
2. 2
   Toss the rice with your hands a few times to remove the starch, and drain.
3. 3
   Repeat this process five times.
4. 4
   Set aside.
5. 5
   Pour 3 1/2 cups water into a small pot with a dash of salt and bring to a boil.
6. 6
   Meanwhile, put the saffron in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of water.
7. 7
   Stir and set aside.
8. 8
   Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the oil.
9. 9
   Add the leeks and saute for 5 minutes.
10. 10
    Add the rice, saffron water, and lime powder or whole preserved lime and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes.
11. 11
    Pour the boiling water over the rice, bring the rice to a boil, then decrease the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
12. 12
    Turn off the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
13. 13
    If the whole lime was used, discard.
14. 14
    Transfer the rice to a large bowl and fold in the parsley, cilantro, dill, and most of the pistachios.
15. 15
    Season with salt.
16. 16
    To serve, pile the rice on a platter and scatter a few pistachios over the top.