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.
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!