Description
A delightful and aromatic saffron basmati rice dish, enriched with fruits and nuts, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 0 cup slivered almonds
- 0 cup pistachios
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 0 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 0 cup raisins
- 0 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons candied orange peel
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee for cooking
Instructions
- Rinse basmati rice under cold water until clear, then soak in salted water for 30 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook rice until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and toast the almonds and pistachios. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, caramelize the onions until golden brown. Add dried apricots, raisins, cranberries, and candied orange peel. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fruits plump.
- Steep saffron threads in 2 tablespoons hot water for 5–10 minutes. Pour over a portion of the cooked rice and stir to color it.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter or ghee. Layer the rice: start with white rice, then saffron rice, then fruit and nut mixture. Repeat.
- Cover the pot with a kitchen towel under the lid and steam on low heat for 25 minutes.
- Gently fluff before serving and garnish with reserved nuts and fruits.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served as a festive side.
- Feel free to customize the dried fruits and nuts according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg