Marge Dawson of Ivoryton, Connecticut, writes: "My daughter and I went to Thali, an Indian restaurant in New Canaan, Connecticut, and had a superb meal. I have never been a fan of rice pudding, but their version was out of this world. Is there any chance you could get the recipe?"

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

　　1/3 cup basmati rice

　　2 cups cold water

　　1 1/2 tablespoons clarified butter (see cooks' note, below)

　　2 tablespoons golden raisins

　　1 tablespoon roasted cashews, chopped

　　1 tablespoon sliced blanched almonds

　　5 1/2 cups milk

　　6 saffron threads

　　1/2 cup sugar

　　1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

　　

Step 1

Rinse rice well in a large sieve under cold running water, then transfer to a bowl. Add 2 cups cold water and let stand for 1 hour. Drain rice.

　　

Step 2

Heat clarified butter in a small skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook raisins and nuts, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Bring milk to a simmer in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Transfer 2 tablespoons milk to a cup, then add saffron and let stand. Add rice to remaining simmering milk and cook, stirring frequently, until rice is tender, about 10 minutes. Add sugar and simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture is thickened to a loose pudding consistency, about 35 minutes more. Stir in raisin-nut mixture, saffron milk, and cardamom and simmer 2 minutes more. Serve warm.