Saffron is considered to be the most expensive spice in the world.  It has a very distinctive taste.  It is said to have many medicinal qualities including purification of blood and it increases the complection too. 🙂 This dish is best cooked in ghee / clarified butter.

Prep time: 10 mts

Cooking time : 15 mts

Serves : 5

Ingredients:

  • Basmati rice – 2 cups
  • Onion – 1 (sliced)
  • Cinnamon stick – 3 cm
  • Cardamom – 3
  • Cloves – 3
  • Ghee (clarified butter) – 1 tsp
  • Saffron – a small pinch
  • Water – 4 cups
  • Salt – 1 1/2 tsp
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Raisins – 2 table spoon

Method: 

  1. Wash the rice and remove excess starch from it.
  2. Soak it in water for 10 mts.
  3. In a small bowl add the saffron into 1/4 cup of water.
  4. By the time prep other ingredients and keep a deep pan in the stove.
  5. When the pan is heated add ghee and allow it to melt.
  6. Add in the Cinnamon stick, cardamom and cloves and saute for a few seconds. Be careful, sometimes the spices will burst and pop on you.
  7. Add the onions and cook it till it becomes soft.
  8. Now add the drained rice and fry carefully for a few minutes till rice gets separated. It is best to fry it in low fire. Take your time doing this step.
  9. Add the water and the saffron water together with the saffron threads.
  10. Now add in the lime juice, salt and raisins and give it a good mix.
  11. Allow the water to boil.
  12. When the water starts to boil, lower the heat and close the pan with a tight lid.
  13. Cook for ~10 minutes.
  14. After 10 mts, switch off the gas and make the rice fluffy using a fork.
  15. Sprinkle a handful of water on the rice and close the lid again and allow it to rest for a few minutes.