Artichoke pilaf

3 - 4 tablespoons Sitia Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5 artichoke hearts, cut into cubes
5 - 6 spring onions, finely chopped
3 medium carrots, cut into cubes
3 tablespoons dill, finely chopped
1 cup rice
juice of 1 lemon
salt and pepper

Prepare artichokes: Remove the leaves and trim them very well leaving only the hearts. Rub them with lemon juice and put them aside.

Wash and drain rice: Put it in a large bowl with hot water to cover it, add 2 tablespoons salt and when water goes cold, place rice in a colander and rinse thoroughly under the tap.

Heat olive oil in a large pot and add spring onions, carrots, diced artichokes and dill. Stir for 8 - 10 minutes until juice has evaporated and add rice. Stir a couple times with a wooden spoon and then pour in 2 1/2 cups warm water, season with salt and pepper and cook on moderate heat until liquid has been absorbed. Remove pot from heat, pour in lemon juice, give a good stir and cover pot with a clean towel for 15 minutes until served.