Basmati Rice with Spices and Saffron

Ingredients

 * 1 teaspoon saffron
 * 2 tablespoons warm milk
 * 2 cups basmati rice
 * 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
 * 2 tablespoons oil
 * 5 cardamom pods
 * 2 cinnamon sticks

Directions

 * 1) In a small container, soak saffron in warm milk. Wash rice.
 * 2) Soak in a bowl with 5 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for 30 minutes, then drain.
 * 3) Heat the oil over medium heat in pot, put in the cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks, and stir a few times.
 * 4) Add the rice, frying and stirring about a minute.
 * 5) Add 2 1/4 cups water and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
 * 6) Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to very low, and cook for 20 minutes.
 * 7) Fluff rice, pour the saffron milk in 2 or 3 streaks over the rice.
 * 8) Cover and keep cooking another for 10 minutes or until rice is done.

Contributed by

 * World Recipes Y-Group