Zareens' Saffron Rice - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. basmati rice or other long grain white rice
1 tsp. saffron threads
3 Tbsp. plus 4 c. boiling water
6 Tbsp. oil
2-inch piece cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
1 c. chopped onions
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. salt
3 cardamon seeds

Preparation

Pour rice in colander and set in pot of cold water.
Change water 4 or 5 times; wash rice until water remains clear.
Drain rice.
Place saffron in bowl with 3 tablespoons boiling water and soak for 10 minutes.
In 3 to 4-quart pot, heat oil to medium.
Add cinnamon and cloves, then add onions.
Fry until onions are soft and brown.
Add rice in and stir until rice browns.
Add 4 cups of water (boiling), brown sugar, salt and cardamon seeds and bring to boil over high heat.
Add saffron and reduce heat.
Cover and heat for 25 minutes.
Fluff rice with fork and serve at once.
Serves 6 to 8.