Recipes out of the Blond Box

1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup mushrooms, sliced
½ cup peas
½ red bell pepper, chopped
¾ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ teaspoon curry powder
1 cup basmati rice
1 ¾ cups water
2 tablespoons toasted, slivered almonds

In a medium saucepan, sauté onion and garlic in oil and butter for several minutes. Add curry powder and vegetables and sauté briefly. Add salt and water and bring to a boil. Add the rice, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 min. Add almonds during last 5 min. if desired. It serves four as a side dish.