Sweet Saffron Rice Recipe

Ingredients :

1 teaspoon

1 tablespoon

1 cup

2 tablespoons

3 1/2 tablespoons

4

1 inch

1/2 teaspoon

5 tablespoons

2 tablespoons

Saffron, roasted and crumbled

Warm milk

Long grain white rice

Unsalted butter

Unsalted shelled pistachio nuts

Cardamom pods

Cinnamon stick

Salt

Sugar

Raisins (golden)

1. Stir the crumbled saffron into the warm milk and leave it to soak for about 2.5 hours.
2. Wash the rice thoroughly  and sieve. Soak it in 4 cups of water for 35 minutes.
3. Drain the rice.
4. Pre-heat your oven to 325^o Fahrenheit.
5. Put the butter into a heavy heat-proof pot and place over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the nuts and fry them for bout 30 seconds.
6. Remove them to a bowl.
7. Then put in the cinnamon and cardamom, and stir for about 30 seconds.
8. Toss in the well-drained rice, fry for about 5 minutes  or until the rice just begin to change color.
9. Add 1 1/3 cups water and add salt.
10. Cook and stir frequently until the water is absorbed, which should take about 12-15 minutes.
11. Add the saffron milk, sugar and raisins.
12. Stir to mix and put into the oven for 25-30 minutes.
13. Remove the cardamom and cinnamon, put it into a bowl and sprinkle the pistachio nuts over.
14. Serve.