Saffron Rice with Cashews and Raisins

• FAST
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
2. 2 1/4 cups water
3. 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
4. 5 cloves
5. 2 bay leaves
6. 1/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
7. 1 teaspoon salt
8. 2 tablespoons butter, softened
9. 1/4 cup chopped cashews
10. 1/4 cup raisins

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Put the rice in a medium saucepan with the water, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaves, saffron, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cook, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, without removing the lid, for 10 minutes. With a fork, gently stir in the butter, cashews, and raisins.