Fennel and Saffron Rice

You will need:

• 2 cup Basmati Rice (washed and soaked for about 10-15 minutes)
• 1/2 cup  finely chopped fennel bulb
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 4-5 threads of saffron (soaked in warm water)
• some spices like (cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, green cardamom, whole black pepper)

Method:-

Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan and add all the spices and fry them for 1 minute.  Now add the fennel and onion and cook untill soften, keep stirring about 4-5 minutes.  Add rice and cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat.   Now add enough water and salt in rice to cook, and bring to a boil.  Lower the heat to simmer and add soaked saffron. let it simmer untill rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed.  Turn of the heat and lay a kitchen towel over the pan and place a lid on top. (at this stage i added a few drops of saffron flavouring essence) After 6-7 minutes fluff the rice.

Served warm with any Raita or curry...