Savory Basmati Saffron Rice Cassies Recipes

~ SAVORY BASMATI SAFFRON RICE ~ CASSIES

Steps:

• Rinse the Basmati rice and drain. In a medium saucepan, add all ingredients and stir. Bring to a boil then turn heat to simmer. Place a lid over pan and simmer for 15 minutes. If liquid is not absorbed, simmer a bit longer.
• Fluff with fork and serve immediately. Delicious!

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.

SAFFRON BASMATI RICE

Steps:

• Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in a large sauté pan; add rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Discard cloves.

SAFFRON STEAMED BASMATI RICE (PERSIAN POLOW)

Steps:

• Dissolve the saffron threads in 4 tablespoons hot water and set aside to soak.
• Wash the basmati rice twice and soak in salted warm water for 2-3 hours.
• Drain the water.
• Pour enough water into a large pan until pan is half-full. Bring to the boil.
• Add the drained rice and 1 tablespoon salt. Continue boiling until rice is slightly softened, about 10 minutes.
• Drain rice and wash it slightly with warm water.
• Pour 3 tablespoons of grapeseed oil into the pan and add the rice.
• Mix the remaining grapeseed oil with the saffron water and pour *half* this mixture over the rice.
• Cover pan and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. A golden crust (tadiq) will form on the bottom.
• Sprinkle the remaining saffron water and oil mixture over the rice.
• Reduce heat to low and cover the top of the pan with two layers of paper towels ( I used a double layer of muslin cloth).
• Cover pan firmly with the cover and cook 45 minutes WITHOUT removing lid.
• Remove pot from heat and let rest 5 minutes.
• Turn the rice out on a large serving platter with the golden crust on top.

SAFFRON RICE WITH CASHEWS AND RAISINS

Steps:

• Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Put the rice in a medium saucepan with the water, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaves, saffron, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cook, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, without removing the lid, for 10 minutes.
• With a fork, gently stir in the butter, cashews, and raisins.