نارنج پلو / Norinj Palau (Rice with orange)

Norinj Palau is one of traditional Afghan dishes and it has a lovely delicate flavour. This pilau is prepared with the peel of the bitter (or Seville) oranges. It is quite a sweet dish. Ingredients 450 g long grain white rice, preferably basmati 75 ml vegetable oil 2 medium onions, chopped 1 medium chicken or 700–900 g lamb on the bone cut in pieces 570 ml water, plus 110 ml water peel of 1 large orange 50 g sugar 50 g blanched and flaked almonds 50 g blanched and flaked pistachios ½ tsp saffron or egg yellow food colour (optional) 25 ml rosewater (optional) 1 tsp ground green or white cardamom seeds (optional)