Saffron-scented pilau rice

Name: Saffron-scented pilau rice
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: India
Ingredients: 225 g/8 oz/1 cup basmati rice; a good pinch of saffron threads, pounded; 30 ml/2 tbsp hot milk; chapatis or Phulkas, to serve; chapatis or Phulkas, to serve; 45 ml/3 tbsp blanched almonds; 2.5 cm/1 in piece of cinnamon stick; 4 green cardamom pods, bruised; 25 g/1 oz/4 tbsp ghee or unsalted butter; 25 g/1 oz/4 tbsp ghee or unsalted butter; 22.5 ml/1½ tbsp rose water; 2.5 ml/½ tsp salt; 2 star anise; 4 cloves

Preparation info

Serves
4

Difficulty
Medium

Appears in

The Complete Indian Regional Cookbook

By Mridula Baljekar

Published 2017

About

Pilau rice, sometimes studded with dried fruits such as apricots and raisins and often with nuts such as almonds, is a delicacy enjoyed in the hilly terrain of northern India. Kesar Pulao is a basic recipe for spicy saffron-scented rice, which provides a fragrant accompaniment to so many main dishes.

Ingredients

225 g/8 oz/1 cup basmati rice
a good

Asia
India
Dinner
Main course
Vegetarian
Gluten-free

Method

Wash the rice in several changes of water until the water runs clear, then soak for 20-30 minutes.
Soak the saffron in the milk for 10 minutes.