How to use saffron

Saffron releases its colour and aroma into liquid, so it works best steeped before use.

Basic method

1. Take 8–10 threads for a dish serving four.
2. Crush lightly between your fingers.
3. Steep in 2–3 tablespoons of warm (not boiling) water or milk for 15–20 minutes.
4. Add the liquid and threads to your dish near the end of cooking.

Simple uses

• Kesar milk: steep in warm milk with a little sugar and cardamom.
• Rice: add the soaked liquid to biryani or pulao before the final steam.
• Kahwa: add a few threads while brewing.