Curried Jasmine Rice Salad

• 4 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 1/2 cups jasmine rice
• 2 1/2 cups mayonnaise (preferably homemade, page 255)
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
• 3 tablespoons Major Greys chutney or Fischer & Wieser Whole Lemon Fig Marmalade (available online)
• 1/4 cup curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 1/2 cups diced celery (about 7 large stalks)
• 1 cup thinly sliced green onions, green and white parts
• 1 1/4 cups dried cherries or dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped, cooked ham, shrimp, turkey, or chicken (optional)
• 1 cup slivered almonds

1. Bring the 4 cups water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; add the rice, decrease the heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, until the water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Spoon the rice into a large bowl, fluff it with a fork, and cool for about 15 minutes.
3. In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, chutney, curry powder, and white pepper.
4. Stir the mayonnaise mixture into the rice along with the celery, green onions, dried cherries, and cooked meat or seafood, if youre using it.
5. Refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, which allows the flavors to meld and develop.
6. Preheat the oven to 350F.
7. Arrange the almonds on a baking sheet in single layer and bake until golden, about 5 minutes; set aside.
8. Stir in the almonds at the last minute.
9. For nutrition bonus points, use brown jasmine rice in this recipe.
10. Make sure to follow cooking instructions on the package: it takes about twice as long to cook, but in return, contributes firm texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
11. The rice salad can be made up to 2 days in advance, covered, and refrigerated.
12. Stir in the almonds just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
13. For a lighter dressing, use 1 1/4 cups each of mayonnaise and low-fat yogurt or reduced-fat sour cream.
14. (I am not a big fan of nonfat yogurt or sour cream.
15. No-fat translatesto my tasteto no flavor.)

water, kosher salt, jasmine rice, mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, major, curry powder, ground white pepper, celery, green onions, cherries, shrimp, almonds

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/curried-jasmine-rice-salad-382623 (may not work)