Saffron Rice

Saffron is bitter and pungent to taste, heating and the aftertaste is pungent.  It is balancing for all three doshas, easy to digest and helps food allergies.

Medicinal Uses:  Very effective for migraine-type headache.  It can be effective in revitalizing the blood, circulation and the female reproductive system.

Ingredients:
1 pinch saffron
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 cups basmati rice
3 tablespoons ghee
4 bay leaves
7 bits of cinnamon bark (about 1 heaping teaspoon)
7 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
7 whole cardamom pods
4 cups of hot water

Preparation:
Soak the saffron in the 1 tablespoon water for at least 10 minutes.

Wash and rinse the rice twice.  Drain.

Heat a pot over medium heat and add ghee.  Then add the bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, salt and cardamom and mix well for a minute.  Turn the heat to low, add the rice and saute in the spices for 2 minutes.

Pour in the hot water and the soaked saffron and bring to a gentle boil.  Boil uncovered for 5 minutes.  Then turn down the heat to medium and partially cover.

Continue to boil gently for another 5 minutes, stirring once or twice to keep from sticking.

Turn the heat to low, fully cover and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.