COLOURFUL PILAU RICE

Preparation Method :

• Wash the basmati rice twice, drain well, and set aside in a sieve (strainer).
• Melt the butter in a medium pan, and add the cloves, cardamoms, bay leaf, and salt.
• Lower the heat and add the rice. Fry for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Add the water to the rice and spices and bring to boil. As soon as it boils, cover the pan, and reduce the heat.
• Cook for 10 - 15 minutes. Taste a grain of rice after 10 minutes; it should be slightly al dente (soft but with a bite in the centre).
• Just before serving the rice, pour a few drops of each colouring at different sides of the pan.
• Leave to stand for 5 minutes so that the colours can "bleed" into the rice.
• Mix gently with a fork and serve.