Saffron and Lemon Sweet Pilau

Saffron and Lemon Sweet Pilau

Ingredients :

1 1/4 cups long grain rice 1 tablespoon ghee 4 whole cloves 6 cardamom pods, bruised 1 small stick cinnamon 2 cups hot water

1/4 cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands 2 tablespoons boiling water

Method :

Heat a heavy saucepan with the ghee and fry the cardamom pods, cinnamon and cloves for 3 minutes. Add the rice and fry, stirring for 5 minutes over low heat. Add lemon juice, water, salt and sugar. Stir well and bring to the boil over high heat. Turn the heat low, cover and cook for 10 minutes. Meanwhile soak the saffron strands in hot water for 5 minutes. PRess the strands between your fingers to extract as much color as possible. At the end of the 10 minutes, lift lid of pan and sprinkle saffron water and strands over the rice. Do not stir. Replace lid and cook for a further 10 minutes. Uncover, allow steam to escape for a few minutes and remove whole spices. Fluff rice gently with fork before serving.