Best 3 Indian Saffron Rice Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, Indian saffron rice stands out as a majestic dish, an aromatic symphony of flavors and textures that has captivated taste buds for centuries. This regal dish, often gracing special occasions and celebrations, embodies the essence of Indian cuisine, where spices dance in harmonious matrimony with fragrant rice, creating a delectable masterpiece. Join us on a culinary journey as we delve into the secrets of this cherished dish, exploring three distinct recipes that showcase the versatility and boundless creativity of Indian cuisine. From the classic saffron rice, a timeless treasure passed down through generations, to the vibrant and flavorful tomato saffron rice, and the elegant and aromatic Hyderabadi saffron rice, each recipe promises a unique gustatory experience. Embark on this culinary adventure, and let the enchanting flavors of Indian saffron rice transport you to a realm of culinary bliss.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

KASHMIRI CHICKEN, CARDAMOM AND SAFFRON PILAU: SPICED INDIAN RICE



Kashmiri Chicken, Cardamom and Saffron Pilau: Spiced Indian Rice image

A wonderfully fragrant and spiced Indian chicken dish, with saffron and cardamom studded rice. This has become a popular and much loved family recipe; an Indian friend who was studying Art with me many years ago, used to make this for all of us Art students every Saturday night; she finally shared the recipe with us before we all graduated! I have been making this for over 30 years now, and I have never changed a thing! Serve this with cool cucumber raita, sambals and naan bread, for a delectable "one Pot" Indian feast. NB: As one reviewer found out, if you use brown rice in this recipe, this adds considerably to the cooking time and you will need more liquid; brown rice takes longer to cook and takes about a third more liquid!

Provided by French Tart

Categories     Curries

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 lb white basmati rice
2 tablespoons oil
2 onions, peeled and diced
4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
1 inch fresh gingerroot, peeled and finely diced
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken or 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cubed
1 teaspoon saffron strand
1/2 pint boiling water
6 cardamom pods, bruised
4 tablespoons chopped of fresh mint
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 cinnamon stick
8 ounces skinned and chopped tomatoes or 8 ounces tinned chopped tomatoes
2 ounces sultanas
salt
pepper
2 ounces blanched almonds, toasted

Steps:

  • Rinse the basmati rice several times in cold water and drain in a colander - leave to dry.
  • Heat half of the oil (1 tablespoon) in a large pan and add half of the onion (1 onion), the garlic, ginger and cumin seeds. Fry them over a gentle heat for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the chicken pieces and brown them - turning them regularly to achieve a good colour all over.
  • Add the saffron, boiling water, cardamom pods, mint, garam masala and cinnamon stick. Bring it all to the boil and then cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is tender.
  • Transfer all the contents to a bowl and rinse out the pan.
  • Add the remaining oil and onion to the pan and fry until the onion is lightly coloured. Add the rice and stir it well, cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is opaque.
  • Add the chicken mixture, tomatoes and sultanas - then season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir gently, then shake the pan to level the ingredients.
  • Add sufficient boiling water to come about 3/4" above the rice mixture. Cover with a tight fitting lid and cook gently over a low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has all been absorbed.
  • Discard the cinnamon stick and transfer to a warm serving dish, sprinkle with the toasted almonds and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 680.9, Fat 29.5, SaturatedFat 6.4, Cholesterol 85.1, Sodium 95.2, Carbohydrate 74.1, Fiber 5.5, Sugar 9.3, Protein 30.7

INDIAN SAFFRON RICE



INDIAN SAFFRON RICE image

Categories     Vegetarian

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

INGREDIENTS
1/8 teaspoon powdered saffron
2 cups boiling water, divided
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, not rinsed
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Steep the saffron in 1/2 cup boiling water. In a skillet that can be tightly covered, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the rice and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the rice begins to absorb the butter and becomes opaque, but do not brown the rice. Quickly pour in the remaining 1 1/2 cups boiling water along with the saffron water. Cover immediately, reduce heat to low, and cook 20 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed. For best results, do not remove the lid while the rice is cooking

INDIAN SAFFRON RICE



Indian Saffron Rice image

Indian saffron is richer, darker in its red-orange color then the Spanish or Italian, and gives a better flavor to rice. The saffron should always be steeped in hot water ahead of time and used as part of the liquid in the recipe. The following is a recipe prepared in the Indian manner.

Provided by CookingForDummies

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

⅛ teaspoon powdered saffron
2 cups boiling water, divided
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, not rinsed
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Steep the saffron in 1/2 cup boiling water.
  • In a skillet that can be tightly covered, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the rice and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the rice begins to absorb the butter and becomes opaque, but do not brown the rice.
  • Quickly pour in the remaining 1 1/2 cups boiling water along with the saffron water. Cover immediately, reduce heat to low, and cook 20 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed. For best results, do not remove the lid while the rice is cooking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 154.2 calories, Carbohydrate 26.1 g, Cholesterol 10.2 mg, Fat 4.1 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 418.2 mg

Tips:

  • Use high-quality saffron: Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, so it's important to use a high-quality product. Look for saffron that is a deep red color and has a strong aroma.
  • Soak the saffron in warm milk or water: This will help to release the saffron's flavor and color.
  • Toast the rice before cooking: This will give the rice a nutty flavor and help prevent it from sticking together.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot: A heavy-bottomed pot will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the rice from burning.
  • Use the right amount of water: The amount of water you use will depend on the type of rice you are using. Basmati rice requires less water than other types of rice.
  • Cook the rice over low heat: This will help to prevent the rice from boiling over and becoming mushy.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork before serving: This will help to separate the grains of rice and make them fluffy.

Conclusion:

Indian saffron rice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with a variety of main dishes. It is a good source of fiber and nutrients, and it is also a good way to use up leftover rice. Saffron rice is a popular dish in many parts of the world, and it is sure to become a favorite in your home as well.

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