Saffron Rice

Total Time: 55 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron thread
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (butter, margarine or ghee ok)
• 1 -2 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, uncooked
• 8 whole cloves
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2-3/4 teaspoon black pepper (amount to taste)
• 1/2 cup cooked green peas (optional)

Recipe

• 1 soak saffron in 1/2 cup boiling water for 20-30 minutes.
• 2 meanwhile, saute onions in the ghee until tender; set aside.
• 3 rinse the basmati under cold water in a sieve, until water runs clear, allow to drain.
• 4 place the rice and the onions in a saucepan and add the 1/2 cup saffron water as well as 2 1/2 cups hot water, the cardamon pods, the cloves, and the salt and pepper; stir to mix.
• 5 bring to a boil over medium heat then reduce heat, cover, and cook over low heat until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• 6 if any liquid remains, drain it.
• 7 stir peas into mixture, if desired, as a garnish; serve.