South Indian Style Yellow Rice Recipes

SAFFRON RICE | YELLOW RICE

Steps:

• Rinse the rice for 3 to 4 times in water or till the water runs clear of starch.
• Soak the rice for 20 to 30 mins in water. Drain the water and keep the rice aside.
• Gather all the ingredients, measure and set them aside.
• Crush the saffron strands with your fingers or in a mortar-pestle. Set aside.
• Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan or pot. Lower the heat. Add all the whole spices - caraway seeds, green cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, tej patta and mace strand.
• Fry for some seconds until the spices crackle taking care they do not burn.
• Then add the soaked rice. Mix and stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes so that the fat coats the rice grains.
• Add the crushed saffron strands to the rice.
• Add turmeric powder now if you plan to add it. Mix gently.
• Pour water and season with salt according to taste. Taste the water and it should be slightly salty.
• Cover the pan tightly and let the rice cook till the grains become separately cooked and absorb all the water.
• Do check the rice for a couple of times when it is cooking. If it looks like the water is simmering off too quickly, and more water 1 tablespoon at a time. Once done, fluff gently with a fork.
• Serve the saffron rice garnished with coriander or mint leaves with any lentil or vegetable curry of your choice.

SOUTH INDIAN-STYLE YELLOW RICE

Steps:

• Wash the rice in cold water until the water is no longer cloudy, 3 or 4 times, then drain. This step is important as it removes the starch from the rice and prevents it from clumping up.
• Heat the stock or water in a heavy pan with a tight-fitting lid. Add the turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon salt and the drained rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Do not disturb the rice or take a peek while it's in the middle of cooking. Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 to 7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the ghee or oil in a pan large enough to fit the rice over medium-high heat. Add the mustard seeds and let sizzle until you hear popping sounds, about 30 seconds. Add the nuts and cook until golden brown and crunchy, about 2 minutes. Lower the heat to medium and add the urad dal, asafetida, crushed red chiles and curry leaves. Be careful as the curry leaves might sputter. Cook until the urad dal turn golden brown, about 3 minutes. Gently mix in the cooked rice.
• Remove from the heat and add the lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice. Taste and add more salt and lemon juice if needed.