Rice With Saffron And Nuts Zaffrani Chaval Food

SAFFRON JEWEL RICE

Steps:

• Sprinkle the saffron into 1/4 cup hot water; let sit 15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine 2 cups water, the sugar and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the orange zest and carrot, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until tender, about 4 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl; set aside.
• Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, cinnamon stick, cardamom, allspice, cumin and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the rice and 3/4 teaspoon salt and stir to coat. Add 3 cups water, increase the heat to medium high and simmer until the water has mostly evaporated, about 4 minutes. Cover the pot with foil and the lid, reduce the heat to low and cook until the water is completely absorbed, about 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pistachios and almonds and cook until just lightly golden, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add the dried cranberries and apricots, and 1 tablespoon of the prepared saffron water; stir to combine, then transfer to a bowl and set aside for topping.
• Uncover the rice and fluff with a fork; discard the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods. Transfer about half of the rice to a serving bowl. Add the remaining saffron water, 1 tablespoon butter and the reserved orange peel and carrot to the rice in the pot and stir gently. Add the yellow rice to the white rice and gently toss; sprinkle with the pistachio mixture and parsley.

NIMBU KA CHAVAL (SAFFRON RICE WITH LIME)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Place saffron in a small bowl and pour 1/4 cup boiling water over it.
• Let stand at least 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a heavy saucepan.
• Add rice, stirring constantly to keep water at a boil.
• Add 1 teaspoon salt.
• Cook over moderate heat, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
• Drain rice and set aside.
• Heat butter or ghee in a heavy 3-4 quart casserole with a tight-fitting lid.
• Add cashews, ginger, mustard seeds and clove.
• Cook, stirring constantly, until seeds begin to burst, about 1-2 minutes.
• Add remaining salt, chili pepper, rice, coriander, lime juice, coconut and remaining boiling water, stirring well.
• Sprinkle saffron and the water it soaked in over the top.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
• Cover pan with aluminum foil.
• Place lid on top.
• Bake for 25 minutes, or until rice has absorbed all liquid.
• Fluff with a fork before serving.

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.