Saffron Rice - Microwave and Pan Method
Great quality Afghan Saffron in my Kitchen is the inspiration of this simple but unforgettable side dish. It's more exotic than plain white rice you are served in general at Home. Saffron gives this rice dish a festive yellow color. It adds a subtle flavor and is known to revitalize the blood and circulation, as well as alleviate migraine headaches.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Ghee or Oil
- 1 Tsp Black Cumin Shahi Jeera
- 2 or 3 Green Cardamoms
- 1 Bay leaf tej patta
- 1.5 inches Cinnamon
- 1.5 cups Basmati Rice
- 2 to 3 Generous pinches saffron kesar
- 3-4 cups water or as required
- Salt to taste
- 2 to 3 pinch of Saffron strands
Instructions
Microwave Method:
- Rinse the rice for 3 times in water
- Heat Ghee for 1 min in Microwave safe bowl.
- Add Black Cumin, Green Cardamoms, Bay Leaf, Cinnamon and microwave for 1 more min.
- Then add soaked rice with 3.5 cups of water (water measurement defers based on quality of your rice). Mix and stir gently.
- Microwave on High for 14 mins.
- Serve the Saffron rice garnished with coriander or mint leaves with any lentil or vegetable curry of your choice.
Pan / Pot Method:
- Heat oil or Ghee in a deep pan. Lower the heat.
- Add all the whole spices – Black Cumin, green cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves and Bay leaf. Fry for some seconds until the spices crackle taking care they do not burn.
- Then add the soaked rice. Mix and stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes so that the fat coats the rice grains.
- Add the saffron strands to the rice. Optionally, add turmeric powder now if you plan to add it. Mix gently.
- Pour 2.5 to 3 cups water and season with salt according to taste. (Taste the water and it should be slightly salty.)
- Cover the pan tightly and let the rice cook till the grains become separately cooked and absorb all the water. 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.
- Serve the Saffron rice garnished with coriander or mint leaves with any lentil or vegetable curry of your choice.
Notes
- In case you don't have saffron at home, the same recipe can be prepared by adding 1 tsp Turmeric powder. But the aroma of Saffron will be missing.
- Basmati rice can also be replaced with any other White or Brown rice, in that case adjust the water accordingly.