Saffron Infused Rice

Have you had the Riso rice available at KFC India? Do you like it’s taste or even if you don’t, you could try my version that is quite flavoursome. Although you can eat the saffron infused rice as it is, you could also serve it with some fried chicken or a gravy of your choice.

Serves: 6 Persons

Prep. Time: 10 Mins.

Cooking Time: 5 Mins. (active) + 15 Mins. (passive)

Ingredients:

• Basmati Rice (wash and soak for 20 Mins.) – 2 cups
• Onion (finely chopped) – 1 medium
• Capsicum (finely chopped) – 1 small
• Garlic (finely chopped) – 8 cloves
• Cardamom – 4
• Cloves – 4
• A few strands of Saffron
• Stock Cubes – 2 small
• Olive Oil or Other – 2 tbsp.
• Salt – 1 tsp. or to taste

Step 1:     Crush the strands of saffron using a mortar and pestle. Add 4 tbsp. warm water and leave to soak for 30 to 40 minutes.

Step 2:     Dissolve the stock cubes in 4 cups of hot water. Keep aside. This your instant vegetable stock.

Step 2:     Heat oil in a pan. Add the cloves and cardamom, followed by the garlic and sauté for a minute and half on medium heat. Add the onion and capsicum and sauté till the onion is translucent.

Step 3:     Drain the rice and add to the pan. Add the saffron infused water along with the strands. Mix lightly so as to coat the grains of rice.

Step 4:     Pour in the warm stock. Season with salt and mix well. Let it come to a boil and then lower the heat. Cover and cook till the rice is done (12 to 15 minutes). Leave it covered for 10 to 15 minutes. Open and fluff the rice with a fork.

Serve hot.