Rice with Tart Cherries & Meatballs (Albalu polow)

Ingredients

• 3 cups long-grain white basmati rice
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 medium onions peeled, one grated and one thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoons hot water
• 4 cups dried tart cherries pitted
• 1 cup Sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil or butter
• 1 piece lavash bread
• 2 tablespoons almonds slivered toasted
• 2 tablespoons pistachios slivered