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Basmati Rice with Saffron

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  • Prep 15 min
  • Total 45 min
  • Servings 6
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Saffron, the world's most expensive spice, finds an ideal partner in basmati, the royal rice.
By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Updated Apr 21, 2022
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked basmati or regular long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons canola or soybean oil
  • 1/4 cup raw whole cashews
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 5 cardamom pods
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 2 sticks (3 inch) cinnamon
  • 2 medium red onions, cut in half and thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups cold water
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Steps

  • 1
    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.
  • 2
    In 2-quart saucepan, heat oil 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.
  • 3
    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.
  • 4
    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.
  • 5
    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.
  • 6
    Reduce heat to low. Cover; cook 5 minutes; remove from heat. Let rice stand covered 10 to 15 minutes.
  • 7
    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.

Nutrition

220 Calories, 7g Total Fat, 3g Protein, 35g Total Carbohydrate, 5g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
220
Calories from Fat
70
Total Fat
7g
11%
Saturated Fat
1g
4%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
0mg
0%
Sodium
400mg
17%
Potassium
180mg
5%
Total Carbohydrate
35g
12%
Dietary Fiber
2g
7%
Sugars
5g
Protein
3g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
0%
0%
Vitamin C
2%
2%
Calcium
2%
2%
Iron
6%
6%
Exchanges:
1 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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