Nimbu Ka Chaval Saffron Rice With Lime Recipes

SAFFRON RICE | YELLOW RICE

Steps:

• Rinse the rice for 3 to 4 times in water or till the water runs clear of starch.
• Soak the rice for 20 to 30 mins in water. Drain the water and keep the rice aside.
• Gather all the ingredients, measure and set them aside.
• Crush the saffron strands with your fingers or in a mortar-pestle. Set aside.
• Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan or pot. Lower the heat. Add all the whole spices - caraway seeds, green cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, tej patta and mace strand.
• 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 crushed saffron strands to the rice.
• Add turmeric powder now if you plan to add it. Mix gently.
• Pour 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.

SAFFRON RICE

Steps:

• Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook, stirring, until softened, 4 minutes. Stir in 2 cups basmati rice, 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads. Add 1 1/2 cups each water and low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 15 minutes. Let sit, covered, 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 2 sliced scallions.

NIMBU PANI (LIMEADE)

Steps:

• Peel the limes: Slice off the tops and bottoms then, working with one at a time, place each one vertically on a cutting board, setting it on one flat, cut side. Next, slice off the skin and pith. Repeat with remaining limes.
• Put peeled limes, ice cubes, kala namak, fine sea salt and sugar, if using, in a blender, along with 3 cups of water. Blend on high until the ice is crushed and the nimbu pani is frothy.
• Strain, then serve in a glass with a sprig of mint, if you like.

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.