Yellow Rice with Raisins

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tbs (30 ml) butter or olive oil
• 1 cup (250 ml) uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (500 ml) boiling water
• One 2-inch (5 cm) piece of cinnamon stick
• 1/2 tsp (2 ml) ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp (2 ml) ground cumin
• A pinch of crumbled saffron threads or ground saffron
• 1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) seedless raisins
• 1 tsp (5 ml) sugar or more, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over moderate heat.
2. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
3. Add the remaining ingredients except for the sugar and simmer, tightly covered, until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick.
5. Sprinkle the sugar on top of the rice and fluff the rice with a fork.
6. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice again prior to serving.
8. Serves 4 to 6.