1/4 teaspoon saffron threads or ground turmeric
6 cups boiling water
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
2 medium onions, chopped
2 (1 inch) pieces cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 cardamom seeds
4 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
1 cup plain yogurt
2 teaspoons salt