Cardamom-Raisin Rice Pudding

INGREDIENTS

2 cups

water

1 cup

long- or short-grain brown rice

2 cups

unsweetened nondairy milk

3 oz

pitted dates (5 to 6 Medjool or 10 to 12 Deglet Noor), chopped

1 tsp

vanilla extract (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)

1/2 cup

brown or golden raisins

1 oz

raw, unsalted almonds, chopped (about ¼ cup; optional)

1 tsp

cinnamon

1/2 tsp

ground cardamom

Chopped or sliced raw, unsalted almonds for garnish (optional)