my method of making a nice pilau rice:

I wash some basmati rice and let it drain. (2 cups)
 In a saucepan I add about 4 tablespoons of veg oil
fry 5 slightly crushed green cardamons
     5 cloves
     5 black peppercorns
     1/2 teaspoon fennugreek seeds
     1 bay leaf
     small stick of cinamon

when the seeds start to pop, add the rice and stir until rice coated in the oil, add 1-2 teaspoons of salt and a few drops of yellow food colouring.
then add enough boiling water to just cover the rice, stir bring to the boil you may need to add a little bit water to cover the rice.  put a lid on the pan with a teatowel on top and turn the heat off.

I leave this for about an hour,  then all you need to do is fork it.

my little boy says its the best he has ever had, and all our dinner guests say the same

I hope this works for you all