Indian saffron is darker and richer in red-orange color than Spanish or Italian saffron, giving rice a better flavor. You should always steep the saffron in hot water ahead of time and use part of the liquid in your recipe. This rice recipe is prepared in the Indian manner.
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- ⅛ teaspoon powdered saffron
- 2 cups boiling water, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, not rinsed
- 1 teaspoon salt
Steps
- Place saffron in a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup boiling water; steep.
- Melt butter in a skillet that can be tightly covered over medium-high heat. Stir in rice and salt; cook, stirring constantly, until rice begins to absorb butter and becomes opaque, but do not let rice brown.
- Quickly pour in remaining 1 1/2 cups boiling water and saffron water. Cover immediately, reduce heat to low, and cook until all liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. For best results, do not remove the lid while the rice is cooking.
