1. place rice in a sieve and wash under cold running water until water runs clear.

2. Put rice in a bowl with 625 ml (20 fl oz/2 1/2 cups) water and soak for 30 minutes.

3. Put saffron in a small bowl, add boiling water and leave to soak for 5 minutes

4. Heat oil in a heavy-based saucepan, add cloves, cardamon pods and fry for 1 minute.

5. Drain rice and reserve the soaking water.

6. Add rice to the pan and fry for 2-3 minutes, until opaque and light golden.

7. Stir inreserved water, saffron and it's soaking water, raisins and sugar and season with salt.

8. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 12-15 minutes,stirring once or twice, until liquid is absorbed and rice is very tender.

Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

Serves 4.