Add beef and diced onion to a large pan, mix together well breaking up the beef with your spatula. Mix in salt, pepper, and turmeric. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Put the pot on medium heat. The beef will release some of its own liquid as it’s cooking, when this liquid has evaporated cook for 2 more minutes. Finally add the tomato paste, stir and cook for 2 more minutes then remove from the heat.

Gently steam green beans in a small pan with a lid for 10mins. Add a little olive oil and cook them for 2 more minutes to bring out the colour. Add beans to the beef mixture. (Optional: now fry the chopped onion in the pan used for the beans until golden, add these to the beef mix too.)

Gently heat the beef/bean/onion mix over a medium heat. Add the cinnamon. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Once your happy with the flavour put to one side.

Wash basmati rice thoroughly to remove the starch (rinse at least 5 times). Boil a large pan of water, lightly salted and add the rice. When half cooked (10 minutes) remove from heat, strain rice into a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop it cooking.

Add enough olive oil to cover the base of the pot. Layer rice, saffron water (optional), and beef mix in the pan starting and ending with rice. Poke six holes to the bottom with the handle of a butter knife. Heat for 5-10 minutes on medium heat. When water appears on the lid stir the butter into the top layer of rice, wrap the lid in a tea towel and replace.

Cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes. Your dinner is ready! Upturn the pot for dramatic effect.