Fragrant Indian Pilaf Rice with Saffron
This fragrant Indian Pilaf Rice, enriched with the luxurious aroma of saffron and the warmth of whole spices, is a delightful accompaniment to various Indian curry dishes. Infusing the basmati rice with ghee and aromatic spices not only enhances its flavor but also elevates any meal. This recipe emphasizes the importance of rinsing the rice thoroughly to ensure a light and fluffy texture, and soaking it for 30 minutes to allow for perfect cooking. Serve this vibrant rice dish at your next dinner gathering for a taste of India that everyone will enjoy.
4
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati Rice
200 (g, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes)
Ghee
2 (tablespoons)
Cardamom Pods
4 (whole)
Whole Cloves
2 (whole)
Black Peppercorns
3 (whole)
Salt
0.5 (teaspoon)
Saffron Threads
0.5 (teaspoon)
Water
400 (ml)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water several times until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch, ensuring light and fluffy rice.
2
After rinsing, soak the rice in fresh water for 30 minutes. Once soaked, drain the rice and set it aside until you're ready to cook.
3
In a large, heavy-based saucepan, heat the ghee over medium heat until melted.
4
Add the cardamom pods, cloves, and black peppercorns to the ghee. Sauté for about one minute, allowing the spices to release their aromatic flavors.
5
Gently add the soaked and drained rice to the saucepan and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the rice is well-coated in the ghee and spices.
6
Next, add the salt, saffron threads, and water to the saucepan. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan tightly. Allow the rice to simmer for 20 minutes, or until all the water has evaporated and the rice is tender.
8
After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and transfer it to a large, warmed serving dish. Serve hot alongside your favorite Indian curry.
Nutrition Information
3.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fragrant Indian Pilaf Rice with Saffron?
It is a traditional Indian rice dish made with aromatic basmati rice, ghee, whole spices, and saffron threads for a rich flavor and color.
How many servings does this pilaf recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of rice should I use for this recipe?
Basmati rice is recommended for its long grains and aromatic properties.
Why do I need to rinse the rice?
Rinsing the rice under cold water removes excess starch, which helps ensure the cooked rice is light and fluffy rather than sticky.
How long should the rice soak before cooking?
The rice should be soaked in fresh water for 30 minutes after rinsing.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains 150 calories, 3.5g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein.
Is this Indian Pilaf Rice vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses ghee and plant-based ingredients.
What whole spices are required?
You will need 4 cardamom pods, 2 whole cloves, and 3 black peppercorns.
How much saffron is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 0.5 teaspoon of saffron threads.
What is the purpose of sautéing the spices in ghee?
Sautéing the spices for about one minute allows them to release their aromatic flavors into the fat, which then coats the rice.
How long do I stir-fry the rice in the ghee?
The soaked and drained rice should be stir-fried for 2 minutes before adding water.
What is the water-to-rice ratio for this recipe?
The recipe uses 400ml of water for 200g of basmati rice.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, or until the water has evaporated.
Should the saucepan be covered during cooking?
Yes, the saucepan should be covered tightly once the mixture reaches a boil and the heat is reduced.
What should I do after the rice finishes simmering?
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I fluff the rice?
Use a fork to gently fluff the grains so they remain intact and light.
What can I serve with Indian Pilaf Rice?
This pilaf is an excellent side dish for any Indian curry.
Can I substitute ghee with something else?
While ghee provides a traditional nutty flavor, you could use butter or a neutral oil if necessary.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: basmati rice, ghee, cardamom pods, cloves, black peppercorns, salt, saffron threads, and water.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, this is considered an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
How much salt is included?
The recipe uses 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
Does this dish contain fiber?
The nutritional data indicates that the fiber content is negligible or not specified.
What temperature should I use to sauté the spices?
The ghee should be heated over medium heat until melted before adding the spices.
How much ghee is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of ghee.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include indian, rice, pilaf, saffron, vegetarian, side dish, easy recipe, and basmati rice.
What color will the rice be?
The saffron threads will infuse the rice with a vibrant yellow or golden hue.
Why is a heavy-based saucepan recommended?
A heavy-based saucepan distributes heat more evenly, preventing the rice from burning at the bottom.
Can I use a rice cooker for this?
While the instructions specify a saucepan, you could adapt it by sautéing the spices and rice first and then transferring them to a cooker.
Does the rice need to be hot when served?
Yes, it is recommended to transfer the rice to a warmed serving dish and serve it hot.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.