Indian Rice Pilaf
["2 c. rice", "1/2 tsp. saffron (optional)", "2 Tbsp. plus 4 c. boiling water", "6 Tbsp. butter or margarine", "1 (2-inch) stick cinnamon", "4 whole cloves", "1 c. chopped onions", "1 1/2 tsp. brown sugar", "1 1/2 tsp.molasses", "1 1/2 tsp. salt", "seeds of 3 cardamon pods (about 1/4 tsp.)"]
["Rinse rice until clear and drain.", "Soak saffron in 2 tablespoons of hot water.", "In a heavy 3 to 4-quart pan, melt butter.", "Add cinnamon and cloves and coat with butter.", "Add onions and cook 7 to 8 minutes until soft and golden brown.", "Add rice and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.", "Add 4 cups water and bring to boil.", "Stir in sugar, molasses, salt, cardamon seed and saffron with its water.", "Simmer covered for 25 minutes.", "Fluff and serve.", "Serves 6 to 8."]
["rice", "saffron", "boiling water", "butter", "cinnamon", "cloves", "onions", "brown sugar", "tsp.molasses", "salt", "cardamon pods"]