Butternut Squash Pilaf with whole spices

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups basmati rice
• 1 tsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 3 whole cloves
• 4 black pepper corns
• 3 green cardamom pods (slightly opened)
• 1 2 inch cinnamon stick
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cups Butternut squash (peeled and cubed, fresh or use frozen(thawed), 1/2 inch or smaller dice)
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• a few drops of lemon juice
• 8 strands of saffron soaked in 1 tbsp warm water for 5 minutes

Nutrition (per serving)