Indian Rice Pilaf - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. rice
1/2 tsp. saffron (optional)
2 Tbsp. plus 4 c. boiling water
6 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1 (2-inch) stick cinnamon
4 whole cloves
1 c. chopped onions
1 1/2 tsp. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp.molasses
1 1/2 tsp. salt
seeds of 3 cardamon pods (about 1/4 tsp.)

Preparation

Rinse rice until clear and drain.
Soak saffron in 2 tablespoons of hot water.
In a heavy 3 to 4-quart pan, melt butter.
Add cinnamon and cloves and coat with butter.
Add onions and cook 7 to 8 minutes until soft and golden brown.
Add rice and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add 4 cups water and bring to boil.
Stir in sugar, molasses, salt, cardamon seed and saffron with its water.
Simmer covered for 25 minutes.
Fluff and serve.
Serves 6 to 8.