India Khir (Rice Pudding With Almonds)

1/2 teaspon salt
1/4 cup uncooked rice
2 cups boiling water
1 quart milk
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons chopped almonds

Add salt and rice to boiling water. Cook, stirring often until
water has evaporated and rice is almost dry.

Place rice in well greased 2-quart casserole. Add milk, butter,
and sugar. Mix well.

Bake in very slow oven (275 degrees F.) about 3 hours, stirring
occasionally. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add almonds,
coconut, and raisins. Mix well.

Garnish with coconut, if desired. Serve either hot or cold from
casserole.