Sweet and Saffron-Infused Golden Rice

Name: Sweet and Saffron-Infused Golden Rice (Bengali-Style Basanti Pulao)
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons ghee; ¼ cup cashews, halved; ¼ cup golden raisins; 2 bay leaves; 2-inch piece cinnamon stick; 2 green cardamom pods; 2 cloves; 1 pinch of saffron strands; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated; 1 cup govind bhog rice (or any short-grain rice), washed; 1 cup govind bhog rice (or any short-grain rice), washed; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 tablespoon sugar

Bengali-Style Basanti Pulao

Preparation info

Yield:
4
servings

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Everyday Indian from Archana’s Kitchen

By Archana Doshi

Published 2026

About

A festive Bengali pulao, Basanti Pulao (or Mishti Pulao) is made with gobindo bhog rice, saffron, whole spices, and a touch of sugar, giving it a beautiful yellow color and mild sweetness. This dish is a must-have during Durga Puja feasts, and I love how it pairs beautifully with rich Bengali curries like Kosha Mangsho.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons ghee
¼ cup cashews, halved
¼ cup

Asia
India
Main course
Vegetarian
Gluten-free
Durga Puja
Bengal

Method

Heat a pan with 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat; add the cashews and roast them until golden-brown and crisp. Add the golden raisins and stir-fry for about 15 seconds. Set aside.

In a pressure cooker or electric multi-cooker; add 1 tablespoon ghee and stir-fry the bay leaves, cinnamon, green cardamom, and cloves for a few seconds, until the spices begin to release their aroma. Ad