Rinse rice in a sieve with cold water and drain. Dissolve saffron in 3 tablespoons of hot water for about 5 minutes. Bring the rice to the boil with 1 litre of water and sugar and cook over a low heat for about 25 minutes. Cut almonds into sticks, pour rose water over them and let them steep. Stir saffron water into the rice.
Mix starch with a little water until smooth, stir into the rice with a whisk and bring to the boil. If the rice becomes too firm, stir in some more water. Stir almonds with rose water into the rice and arrange in small bowls. Sprinkle with pistachios and decorate with cherries and mint