Saffron and Lemon Sweet Pilau Recipe

(Kesar Pilau)

Ingredients :

1 tablespoon

6

4

1

1 1/4 cups

2 cups

1/4 cup

1 tablespoon

1 teaspoon

1/4 teaspoon

2 tablespoons

Ghee

Cardamom pods, bruised

Whole cloves

Small stick cinnamon

Long grain rice

Hot water

Lemon juice

Sugar

Salt

Saffron strands

Boiling water

• Heat ghee in a heavy saucepan and fry cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon for 3 minutes.

• Add rice and fry, stirring for 4-5 minutes over low heat.

• Add water, lemon juice, sugar and salt, stir well and bring to the boil over high heat.

• Turn heat low, cover and cook 10 minutes.

• Meanwhile pour hot water over saffron strands and allow to soak 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.