- 2 cups uncooked basmati rice
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 6 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil, divided
- 1 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 black cardamom pods
- 2 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup California golden raisins, divided
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- Gently rinse rice 3 to 4 times in cold water; drain well. Set aside. In small skillet, toast saffron threads over medium-high heat 20 to 30 seconds or until they turn one shade darker. Add to coconut milk; stir well. Set aside.
- In 1-quart saucepan, heat 4 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat; add onions, ginger and garlic. Stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes or until onions soften slightly.
- Stir in cloves, cardamom and cinnamon. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Add rice, saffron-coconut milk, 1/2 cup California golden raisins, sugar, salt and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; stir once. Cover; cook 10 minutes more. Reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, 5 minutes more; set aside.
- In small skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir-fry 1/2 cup California golden raisins and almonds 1 to 2 minutes or until raisins are plump and nuts turn golden brown. Stir in cilantro; set aside.
- Fluff rice with fork; discard cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon sticks. Transfer to a serving platter; garnish with stir-fried California golden raisins and nuts.