Saffron Pilau

Description

 * Ethnicity - Kashmiri, North Indian
 * Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

Ingredients

 * 500 g long-grain rice
 * 1 tbsp kebab marinade
 * 1 litre water
 * pinch saffron powder (see above)
 * 2 tsp salt (or to taste)
 * 2 tbsp sultanas
 * cooked green peas to garnish
 * 3 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

Directions

 * 1) If rice needs washing, wash and drain thoroughly.
 * 2) If using an electric rice cooker, dissolve kebab marinade and saffron in a cup of hot water, then make up to one litre with cold water.
 * 3) Pour over rice, stir in salt and Sultanas, switch on.
 * 4) The rice cooker will automatically cook the rice, then adjust temperature to keep the rice warm until you are ready for it.
 * 5) If using a saucepan, make sure it has a well fitting lid.
 * 6) Bring to the boil, then turn heat as low as possible and cook for fifteen minutes.
 * 7) Remove from heat, leave five minutes longer without uncovering. Uncover, allow steam to escape for a few minutes.
 * 8) Fluff rice grains with a fork and serve with a metal spoon. A wooden spoon would crush the grains.
 * 9) Scatter green peas and pine nuts over to garnish.