Rinse 1/4 cup basmati rice a couple of times till the water runs clear of the starch

Then soak the rice in enough water for 15 to 20 mins

Blanching almonds - heat water in a small pan or pot. When the water come to a boil then switch off the flame and then add 10 to 12 almonds to it. Cover and keep aside for 30 mins. Then peel and slice almonds. This is an optional step

Meanwhile, when the rice grains are soaking, take whole or full fat milk in a heavy wide pan or sauce pan or kadai

Keep the pan on a low to medium - low heat. Stir at intervals so that the milk does not stick at the bottom of the pan

Let the milk come to the boil

Take one tablespoon milk from the pan in a small bowl. Let the milk become warm. Then add a few saffron starnds in the milk. Keep aside

After the milk begins to boil, drain all water from the rice then add it to hot boiling milk. Mix it very well

Simmer and cook rice on a low heat. No need to cover the pan when the rice is cooking.

Cook the rice grains till they are 50% done or half cooked

Then add sugar. You can add more or less sugar according to your preferences. Mix the sugar in the milk with a spoon

Continue to cook rice on a low to medium - low heat. Do stir at intervals. Simmer till the rice is almost cooked