Saffron Rice with Raisins and Cashews

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons clarified butter
• 1 pinch saffron
• 6 whole cloves
• 3 tablespoons raisins
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Directions

In a saucepan bring water to a boil. Add rice and boil for 5 minutes. Stir in the sugar, reduce the heat, and add the clarified butter.

Meanwhile, soak the saffron in 1 tablespoon hot water for 10 minutes.

To the rice add the saffron, cloves, raisins and cashews. Stir well, cover, and cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes more, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked.

Sprinkle with cardamom before serving.