Saffron rice, also known as "kesar chawal" in Hindi, is a simple and delicious dish made from long-grain basmati rice, saffron and aromatic spices. The dish is a staple in many Indian households and is often served with a variety of curries, lentil and meat dishes. Here's an easy recipe for saffron rice:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of long-grain Basmati rice
- 3 cups of water
- 1 tsp of salt
- A pinch of saffron strands
- 2 tbsp of warm milk
- 1 tbsp of ghee or butter
- 1 tsp of cumin seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 green cardamoms
- 2 cloves
- 2 black peppercorns
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
Wash the rice in several changes of water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tbsp warm milk for about 10-15 minutes.
In a large saucepan or pot, heat ghee or butter over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, green cardamom, cloves, black pepper and cinnamon. Fry for a minute or till the aroma comes out.
Add the drained rice to the pan and stir to coat with the ghee and spices. Add 3 cups of water and 1 tsp of salt. Bring the water to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook for about 18-20 minutes or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is cooked.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and add the saffron milk mixture to the rice. Stir to combine and let the saffron color the rice.
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Your delicious Kesar Rice is now ready to be served! Serve it as a side dish with your favorite Indian dishes or enjoy it alone. You can also add a little ghee or butter to the rice before serving for added richness and flavor. enjoy!