Zaffrani Chaval Rice With Saffron And Nuts Recipes

CUMIN AND SAFFRON RICE

Steps:

• Heat oil and fry black cumin seeds for 10 seconds.
• Add rice and saute for a few minutes until rice starts to change color and become opaque.
• Add water and salt. Bring to a boil, turn down heat and cover.
• Simmer until all liquid is absorbed (15 to 20 minutes) and rice is cooked.
• Pour saffron water into middle 2-inch circle of rice. Leave covered for a few minutes for water to be absorbed.
• Fluff up rice with a fork and mix. Rice should be a marbled mix of white and yellow grains.

BASMATI RICE WITH SAFFRON (ZAFFRANI PULAO)

Steps:

• Place rice in medium bowl; add enough cold water to cover rice. Rub rice gently between fingers; drain. Repeat 4 or 5 times until water is clear; drain. Cover rice with cold water; soak 30 minutes. Drain; set aside.
• Heat oil in 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cashews; stir-fry 10 to 20 seconds or until cashews are golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
• Add raisins to hot oil; stir-fry 20 to 30 seconds or until raisins plump up. Remove with slotted spoon; add to cashews to drain.
• Add cumin seed, peppercorns, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves and cinnamon sticks to hot oil; sizzle 15 to 30 seconds. Mix in onions; stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes or until onions are golden brown.
• Add rice; gently stir-fry 1 minute, taking care not to break tender rice grains. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cold water, the saffron and salt. Heat to boiling, stirring once; reduce heat to medium-high. Cook uncovered 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until almost all the water has evaporated.
• Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 5 minutes; remove from heat. Let rice stand covered 10 to 15 minutes.
• Fluff rice with fork or spoon to release steam. Serve sprinkled with roasted cashews and raisins. Serve with peppercorns, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves and cinnamon sticks left in to continue to flavor the rice, but do not eat them.