Golden Saffron Rice with Cashews and Raisins
Experience a burst of flavor with this Indian-inspired dish that perfectly blends the aromatic notes of saffron with the crunchy texture of cashews and the sweetness of raisins. This Golden Saffron Rice is a delightful combination of basmati rice, infused with warm spices such as cinnamon and cloves, creating a fragrant and colorful side dish. While traditional basmati rice is preferred, feel free to use Texmati or any other white rice. This dish not only elevates your meal but also adds an elegant touch to any dining occasion. Substitute almonds for cashews if you prefer a different nutty flavor for added versatility.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati rice
1 1/2 cups (Rinsed until the water runs clear)
Water
2 1/4 cups
Cinnamon stick
1 (Broken in half)
Cloves
5
Bay leaves
2
Saffron threads
1/4 teaspoon (Crumpled)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Butter
2 tablespoons (Softened)
Cashews
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Raisins
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaves, crumbled saffron, and salt.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
After resting, carefully remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
6
Stir in the softened butter, chopped cashews, and raisins until evenly combined.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Saffron Rice with Cashews and Raisins?
It is an Indian-inspired side dish that combines aromatic basmati rice with the flavors of saffron, cinnamon, and cloves, garnished with crunchy cashews and sweet raisins.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Traditional basmati rice is preferred for this dish, though Texmati or other long-grain white rice can be used as substitutes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Is this saffron rice recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients and butter.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the 2 tablespoons of butter with a plant-based butter alternative or a neutral oil.
Why do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing the rice until the water runs clear removes excess surface starch, which helps the rice grains stay separate and fluffy rather than sticky.
How much saffron should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads, which should be crumbled to release their maximum color and flavor.
Can I substitute the cashews?
Yes, if you prefer a different nutty flavor or have an allergy, you can substitute the cashews with chopped almonds.
What spices are used to flavor the rice?
The rice is flavored with a cinnamon stick, five cloves, two bay leaves, and saffron threads.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer on low heat for 15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Why does the rice need to sit after cooking?
Allowing the rice to sit covered for 10 minutes after removing it from the heat helps the moisture redistribute and allows the flavors to meld.
How do I fluff the rice?
After the resting period, use a fork to gently lift and separate the grains to prevent them from clumping.
What is the water-to-rice ratio for this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 1/4 cups of water for 1 1/2 cups of basmati rice.
Do I need to cook the cashews and raisins with the rice?
No, the chopped cashews and raisins are stirred in at the very end after the rice has been cooked, rested, and fluffed.
What is the preparation for the cinnamon stick?
The cinnamon stick should be broken in half before being added to the saucepan with the rice and water.
How many cloves are required?
This recipe requires 5 cloves to achieve the desired aromatic profile.
Should the butter be melted before adding?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of softened butter, which will melt naturally when stirred into the warm rice.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt to season the rice.
What category of food does this fall into?
This dish is categorized as a Rice dish and is typically served as a side.
Is the saffron rice spicy?
No, while the rice is fragrant and full of warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, it is not heat-spicy.
What kind of raisins should I use?
Standard raisins work well, but you could also use golden raisins (sultanas) for a consistent golden aesthetic.
How do I prepare the cashews?
The 1/4 cup of cashews should be chopped before being stirred into the rice.
Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?
While the recipe specifies basmati or white rice, you can use brown rice, but you will need to significantly increase the water amount and the cooking time.
Should I remove the bay leaves and cloves before serving?
Yes, it is common practice to remove large whole spices like the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cloves before serving to make the dish easier to eat.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed—rice, water, spices, nuts, raisins, and butter—are naturally gluten-free.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is fragrant, nutty, and slightly sweet, with earthy notes from the saffron.
How do I ensure the saffron is properly distributed?
Crumbling the threads before adding them to the water ensures the yellow pigment and flavor spread evenly throughout the rice as it boils.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, a neutral oil or coconut oil can be used instead of butter to provide the necessary fat and sheen to the rice.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, the addition of saffron and nuts gives it an elegant touch, making it perfect for dinner parties or holiday meals.