The inspiration of Saffron Rice or Yellor Rice is Great quality Afghan Saffron in my Kitchen. The dish is more exotic than plain white rice you are served in general at Home. Saffron gives this rice dish a festive yellow color. It adds a subtle flavor and is known to revitalize the blood and circulation, as well as alleviate migraine headaches.
For those who doesn’t know What Saffron is:
Saffron, also known as Kesar in Hindi, are the strands (or threads) which is dried stigmas from the saffron crocus. They can be found at general or specialty grocery stores; look for the brightest color. They’re the world’s most expensive spice, but a little goes a long way!
What Does Saffron Rice Tastes Like?
When you taste saffron, you’ll find a nuanced, delicate and complex flavor made up of sweet as well as earthy and floral tones. Your Saffron Rice taste will widely depend on the quality of Saffron threads. We use Afghan Kesar that produces a rich flavor with just a few strands. Most common use of Saffron is in rice dishes like Biryani, Paella, Pulao, Sweet Rice, etc. Saffron is also commonly used in Indian Sweets (Mithai).
Is Yellow Rice same as Saffron Rice?
Kind of! Yellow rice is essentially white rice, which has been colored by adding turmeric powder or saffron strands. In addition to giving the rice a bright color, Garam Masala or Whole Spices are used to infuse some more flavours in both types of rice.
Is Saffron Rice Healthy?
Saffron is believed to be an anti-depressant, loaded with anti-oxidants and possibly has cancer-fighting and anti-aging properties. Additionally, saffron is known as an ingredient that’s good for digestion, blood circulation and healthy eyesight. However, since major component of Saffron rice is ‘Rice’, it is high in Carbs. 1 Serving of Saffron rice consists approximately 97g of Carbs.
This yellow rice or Saffron rice also happens to be gluten-free, and can be made vegan if you swap the ghee (clarified butter) with any cooking oil.
Saffron Rice goes well with:
- Punjabi Rajma Masala
- Veg Kadai
- Lauki Kofta
- Paneer Butter Masala
Our Recommendations for Other Rice Dishes:
Saffron Rice – Microwave and Pan Method
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Ghee or Oil
- 1 Tsp Black Cumin Shahi Jeera
- 2 or 3 Green Cardamoms
- 1 Bay leaf tej patta
- 1.5 inches Cinnamon
- 1.5 cups Basmati Rice
- 2 to 3 Generous pinches saffron kesar
- 3-4 cups water or as required
- Salt to taste
- 2 to 3 pinch of Saffron strands
Instructions
Microwave Method:
- Rinse the rice for 3 times in water1.5 cups Basmati Rice
- Heat Ghee for 1 min in Microwave safe bowl.3 Tbsp Ghee or Oil
- Add Black Cumin, Green Cardamoms, Bay Leaf, Cinnamon and microwave for 1 more min.1 Tsp Black Cumin, 2 or 3 Green Cardamoms, 1 Bay leaf, 1.5 inches Cinnamon, 2 to 3 Generous pinches saffron, Salt to taste, 2 to 3 pinch of Saffron strands
- Then add soaked rice with 3.5 cups of water (water measurement defers based on quality of your rice). Mix and stir gently.1.5 cups Basmati Rice, 3-4 cups water
- Microwave on High for 14 mins.
- Serve the Saffron rice garnished with coriander or mint leaves with any lentil or vegetable curry of your choice.
Pan / Pot Method:
- Heat oil or Ghee in a deep pan. Lower the heat.
- Add all the whole spices – Black Cumin, green cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves and Bay leaf. 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 saffron strands to the rice. Optionally, add turmeric powder now if you plan to add it. Mix gently.
- Pour 2.5 to 3 cups 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.
Notes
- In case you don’t have saffron at home, the same recipe can be prepared by adding 1 tsp Turmeric powder. But the aroma of Saffron will be missing.
- Basmati rice can also be replaced with any other White or Brown rice, in that case adjust the water accordingly.
Saffron Rice : Step by Step recipe with Photos (Microwave Method)
1. Rinse the rice for 3 times in water. Heat Ghee for 1 min in Microwave safe bowl.
2. Add Black Cumin, Green Cardamoms, Bay Leaf, Cinnamon and microwave for 1 more min.
3. Then add soaked rice with 3.5 cups of water (water measurement defers based on quality of your rice). Mix and stir gently.
4. Microwave on High for 14 mins.
5. After 14 mins, allow rice to rest in microwave for 1 or 2 mins more. Take out and gently stir the rice.
6. Serve the Saffron rice garnished with coriander or mint leaves with any lentil or vegetable curry of your choice.
