This is a flavorful, colorful and healthy rice that can be enjoyed alone or with baked or grilled meats and seafood. Made with simple ingredients you already have in your pantry, it is guaranteed to please your friends and family.
Rinse rice until the water runs clear. Cover with water, mix in 1 tbs of salt and soak for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Heat oil in a wide sauté pan over medium high heat. Add cardamom, cloves and geera and toast for 2 minutes. Add onion, garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in turmeric and saffron and cook for 30 seconds. Add bell peppers, celery or parsley, carrot, turmeric powder and saffron and sauté for 3 minutes. Season with 3 tsp salt.
Drain rice and add to the pot, cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to stick.
Add hot water and salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes or until the rice grains appear on the top. Reduce the heat to low, wrap pot cover with a cloth and cover the pot tightly to seal. Cook for 20 minutes. Take off heat and leave covered for an additional 10-20 minutes. Remove cover and fluff with a fork.