Saffron Scented Pilaf with Dried Fruit

Procedure:

1. Rinse the basmati rice, till clear and soak the rice in water for 1 hour.

2. Drain and keep it aside.

3. Preheat a heavy Dutch oven, on medium high heat and add the oil, and add  the whole spices except cumin.

4. Now add the cumin, when it starts to sizzle, add the drained rice and saute on medium heat until the rice is well coated with the oil.

5. Now add the 2 cups of liquid and a tsp of salt

6. When water starts boiling, lower the heat to simmer, cover and cook covered for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and keep the lid to keep the steam to cook the rice to perfection.

7. Garnish with dried fruit

Ingredients:

1 cup Basmati rice
2 cups water or vegetable stock
1 tsp salt

(Whole Masala)
1 cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
2 cloves
2 tsp whole cumin seeds
1 tbsp sunflower oil

(For Garnish)
½ cup of dried fruit