Saffron and Lemon Sweet Pilau Recipe (Kesar Pilau)

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
Method : 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.