Stovetop Saffron Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
• 0.75 teaspoon crushed saffron threads
• boiling water
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cardamom seeds
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups boiling vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt

Steps

1. Cover rice with cold water and set aside to soak for 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, soak saffron threads in 2 tablespoons hot water in a small bowl.
3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; add cinnamon sticks, cardamom, and cloves. Fry in hot butter for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Drain rice and add to onion mixture. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Pour in boiling broth; stir in salt and saffron mixture. Cover and cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 40 minutes.