Saffron Rice (Indian Style)
Saffron Rice, also known as Yellow Rice, is a fragrant rice dish made with basmati rice and saffron. The saffron gives the rice a natural yellow color and a mild aroma. The flavor is subtle and gently spiced, without being spicy or overpowering. Saffron Rice pairs well with curries, lentil dishes, and other saucy gravies.
- Prep time
- 30 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 3 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp ghee (or oil)
- 1 tsp caraway seeds ((shahi jeera))
- 2 to 3 green cardamoms
- 1 tej patta ((indian bay leaf))
- 1.5 inches cinnamon
- 2 to 3 cloves
- 1 single, thin strand of mace
- 1.5 cup basmati rice
- 2 to 3 generous pinches saffron ((kesar), not a chef's pinch but a pinch of the thumb and index finger)
- 1 pinch turmeric (- optional)
- 3 to 3.25 cups water (or as required)
- salt (as required)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons coriander leaves (- chopped, or mint leaves for garnish - optional)
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice for 3 to 4 times in water or till the water runs clear of starch.
- 2
Soak the rice for 20 to 30 mins in water. Drain the water and keep the rice aside.
- 3
Gather all the ingredients, measure and set them aside.
- 4
Crush the saffron strands with your fingers or in a mortar-pestle. Set aside.
- 5
Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan or pot. Lower the heat. Add all the whole spices – caraway seeds, green cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, tej patta and mace strand.
- 6
Fry for some seconds until the spices crackle taking care they do not burn.
- 7
Then add the soaked rice. Mix and stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes so that the fat coats the rice grains.
- 8
Add the crushed saffron strands to the rice.
- 9
Add turmeric powder now if you plan to add it. Mix gently.
- 10
Pour water and season with salt according to taste. Taste the water and it should be slightly salty.
- 11
Cover the pan tightly and let the rice cook until the grains are fully cooked, separate, and all the water is absorbed.
- 12
Do check the rice for a couple of times when it is cooking. If it looks like the water is simmering off too quickly, and more water 1 tablespoon at a time. Once done, fluff gently with a fork.
- 13
Serve the Saffron Rice garnished with coriander or mint leaves with any lentil or vegetable curry of your choice.