1. Mix the saffron in lukewarm milk/water/coconut milk or whatever you are using.
2. Mix well and cook the rice with this mixture. The grains of the rice should be seperate. Cool slightly by spreading in a plate
3. Add little Olive oil/ Pam Spray in a non stick pan and saute the pearl onions. Season with salt.
4. Helps it to cook faster without the additon of lots of oil.
5. Add the carrots and peas and cook for further 3-4 min till soft.
6. Add the ground paste and stir well till the raw smell leaves, about approx, 5 min.
7. Add the masoor dal, saute for a min and then add 1 cup of water.
8. Cover and cook for another 10 min till the dal gets cooked.
9. Add the cooled rice and mix well. Garnish it with corainder leaves/mint.
10. This dish is a complete meal by itself - being rich in proteins and other nutrients added from the spices.
11. Hence does not need a elaborate side dish. Simple Raita made with low fat curd is more than enough.

Courtesy: http://chefinyou.com/