Saffron Rice Pullao

Serves 4-6.

Ingredients:

1 cup Basmati Rice

1/2 teaspoon saffron

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup frozen peas, thawed and washed

15-20 whole black peppercorns

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons minced onion

2-3 cups water

1/4 cup toasted thin-sliced almonds or whole pinenuts (for garnish, if desired)

Instructions:

Soak rice in 1 cup water for 15 minutes. (Quick tip: This will reduce cooking time!)

Heat oil in a medium-sized pot. Saute the onions until golden brown. Add peppercorns and stir for 30 seconds.

Add frozen peas, rice, salt, and 2 cups water. Bring to boil (uncovered).

Keep boiling until all the water has evaporated.

Add saffron and stir gently.  Turn heat to the lowest setting

Cover with lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring once after 10 minutes.

Remove from heat. Uncover, and gently turn the rice. Let stand until ready to serve.

Garnish with toasted almonds or pine nuts if desired.

*Authentic Northern Indian Cuisine Contributed by Divya