Place rice in a strainer and rinse with cool water until water runs clear. Set aside. Place saffron in a small glass bowl, add boiling water and let soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir together rice, 2 cups water, cinnamon, cloves and salt in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. (Do not remove cover while cooking.) Remove from heat and set aside. Simmer saffron water, jaggery and cardamom in a small saucepan over low heat until mixture forms a syrup, about 2 to 3 minutes. Pour over rice. Saute almonds and currants in oil only until currants puff slightly and nuts turn lightly brown. Gently fold into rice mixture, fluff with a fork, and serve. Per serving: 300 cal, 4 g prot, 213 mg sod, 54 g carb, 9 g fat, 0 mg chol, 72 mg calcium HINT: Substitute 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup or 1/2 cup jaggery and reduce water or broth by 2 tablespoons. Source: Vegetarian Gourmet Posted to MealMaster Recipes List, Digest #164 Date: Wed, 12 Jun 1996 21:35:53 -0500 (CDT) From: "Mr. & Mrs. Pro & crew"