Pilau Rice

1) Soak the rice in cold water for 5 minutes, and then rince it.

2) Put some oil in a frying pan and raost the almonds until they start turning brown. Take them off the heat.

3) Put the cold water in a suacepan, and add all the spices and a pinch of sugar. Bring this the the boil, abd boil for 3 or 4 minutes. Strain off the spices, retaining just the flavoured water.

4) In a saucepan, melt the ghee and then add the rice, ensuring it is all coated with the oil. Ensure the pan is very hot and then add the spiced water. Put a lid on the pan and turn the heat down very low.

5) The rice will cook on this gentle heat, adsorbing all the water. In 8 to 10 minutes take the pan off the heat and leave for 5 more minutes to ensure it is fluffy. All this time the lid must not be lifted!

6) When ready to serve, fluffy it gently with a fork and sprinkle the roasted almonds and the saltanas on to.