- Wash the lentils. Boil in water for around 15 minutes. Drain. 
- In a large saucepan, heat half the butter. Fry the cardamom, cinnamon and cumin briefly. 
- Add the onion along with sugar and some salt and start frying till caramelized. The sugar will give the onions a nice color. 
- Add the drained lentils and pepper powder and saute for a minute. 
- Add in the drained rice and saute for five minutes till crispy. 
- Add in the water and allow it to boil. Adjust the salt. 
- Reduce the flame to the minimum. Add the remaining butter, apricots and raisins into the rice and mix. 
- Keep on closed lid. Midway, sprinkle the saffron water and give a stir. 
- Continue to cook on closed lid undisturbed till the rice is completely done.