1. you can but it is not quite the same in terms of taste as powdered saffron will be absorbed whereas saffron threads will not.
2. You should be able to, but : -
In a dry or semi-dry dish threads...
Saffron is a yellow spice used to color and flavor foods like rice, used a lot in Indian dishes. It comes from a plant that produces threads. The threads can be purchased in spice jars in grocery...