If you're planning to prepare an elixir for your rice dishes like paella, or a special dessert, this is how much saffron to use and how it is commonly done: + Prepare 2 teaspoons of saffron threads, a sugar cube (or a pinch of coarse salt). + Grind all the ingredients using a spice mill or mortar and pestle.  + Add ¼ cup warm water into the grounded ingredients and let it cool.