Zafrani Pulao Recipe | A Flavorful Saffron Infused Delight 583 Likes

Zafrani Pulao, a fragrant and rich rice dish, is a classic from Mughlai cuisine that will transport you straight to the royal kitchens of ancient India. Known for its mild sweetness, delicate aroma, and vibrant color, Zafrani Pulao is a perfect addition to your weekend lunch or a special occasion meal. This saffron-infused rice is cooked with the finest basmati rice, complemented by the richness of ghee, nuts, and dry fruits. It’s not just a treat for your taste buds, but a feast for your senses too!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2

IngredientsTo Soak:

• 1 tablespoon hot milk
• 5 strands of saffron

For Cooking Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• ½ cup milk
• 1½ cups water
• 8–10 strands saffron

For Tempering:

• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 small cinnamon sticks (½ inch)
• 2 cloves
• 1 cardamom pod
• 1 bay leaf

For Frying Nuts:

• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 15 cashews
• 15 almonds (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

1. Soak the Saffron:
   Start by soaking 5 strands of saffron in a tablespoon of hot milk. Set it aside to release its lovely color and aroma.

2. Prepare the Rice:
   Wash and soak the basmati rice in water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice and set it aside. This ensures fluffy and non-sticky rice.

3. Tempering the Spices:
   Heat a mixture of oil and ghee in a pan. Add the cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and bay leaf. Stir the spices briefly to release their fragrant oils.

4. Cooking the Rice:
   Add the soaked, drained rice to the pan. Sauté for a few seconds, allowing the spices to coat the rice evenly. Next, pour in the water and milk mixture, followed by the saffron strands, sugar, and salt. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmering:
   Once the rice starts boiling, cover the pan and cook on low heat. Stir just once or twice to avoid breaking the grains. Allow the rice to cook until soft and fluffy.

6. Finishing Touches:
   After the rice has cooked, pour in the saffron milk that was set aside earlier and give it a quick stir. The rice may appear slightly sticky when hot, but as it cools, it will fluff up and become grain-separated.

7. Frying Nuts & Dry Fruits:
   Heat ghee in a small pan. Fry the cashews and almonds until golden brown. Then, add the raisins and fry until they bubble up and turn plump. Add a teaspoon of sugar to this mixture for a touch of sweetness.

8. Final Mixing:
   Gently mix the fried nuts and raisins into the cooked rice. Fluff the rice gently, being careful not to over-mix, as this could break the grains.

9. Serve & Enjoy:
   Serve your Zafrani Pulao hot, drizzled with a bit of extra ghee for that authentic flavor. Pair it with your favorite curry or enjoy it as a standalone dish.

Tips for the Perfect Zafrani Pulao:

• Rice Choice: For the best results, use long-grain basmati rice. However, any good-quality basmati rice will work wonders.
• Saffron Quality: The quality of saffron can vary, so adjust the quantity according to the thickness and richness of the strands.
• Sweetness Level: If you enjoy a sweeter pulao, feel free to increase the sugar to suit your taste.
• Variations: For added flavor, consider incorporating fried onions or fruits like pomegranate seeds. These additions bring a lovely texture and burst of sweetness.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – 150g):

• Calories: 803
• Fat: 40g (62% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 17g (106% Daily Value)
• Carbohydrates: 101g (34% Daily Value)
• Protein: 13g (26% Daily Value)
• Fiber: 5g (21% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value)

Why You’ll Love Zafrani Pulao

Zafrani Pulao is an exceptional blend of flavors, textures, and colors. The rich aroma of saffron, combined with the crunch of cashews and almonds, offers a comforting experience in every bite. The slightly sweet undertones paired with the spices create a unique taste that’s sure to be a hit with family and guests. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your liking—perfect for celebrations, festive meals, or just a weekend treat!

Give this royal dish a try, and let it add a dash of tradition and elegance to your dining table. Enjoy the magic of Mughlai cuisine in the comfort of your home!