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1
Soak the saffron in 4tsp of warm water.
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2
Wash the rice in a colander under running water.
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3
Warm the oil in a heavy-based, deep pan and fry the shallot until golden, for about 2 minutes.
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4
Fry the cinnamon, turmeric and cardamom seeds for 2 minutess.
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5
Add the lime leaves (or strips of lemon peel), rice, stock and dried fruit and bring to the boil.
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6
Turn down to moderate heat, cover with a lid and simmer for 30 minutes (you may need to check the timing for your rice on the packet - less of more depending on the choice of rice.
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7
Meanwhile, place a piece of aluminium foil on a grill rack and toast the almonds under hot grill (keep an eye on them as they burn very quickly).Allow to cool.
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8
Melt the butter in a small pan and mix in the saffron when the butter is almost liquid.
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9
After 30 minutes, lift the of the saucepan in which the rice is cooking and check - the grains should be tender with hardly any liquid left at the bottom of the pan.
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10
Pour in the saffron butter and fold in through the rice (a chop stick or spoon handle is good, take care not to mash the rice whilst doing this).
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11
Then then take a fork and gently fluff up the rice.
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12
Serve garnished with the toasted almonds.