Kesar Bhaat or Saffron rice is an Indian dessert that is cooked and liked by the people of Bangladesh and Pakistan too. It is a unique dish that’s extremely easy to make. You need plain or joha rice, saffron, and a few other ingredients like bay leaves, ghee etc. to cook kesar bhaat. Saffron not only gives a distinctive taste to rice but its signature yellow colour too. For the unversed, kesar is a spice that's native to the Mediterranean area, Iran, and Asia Minor. However, it was first grown in Kashmir and Iran.
Notably, Kashmiri saffron has received the GI tag for its protection from adulteration. This crimson spice is extracted from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus. Around 150000 blossoms produce only a kilo of this prized spice. That's the reason why it is so expensive. Adding it to rice along with a few other ingredients can bring out a delicious delicacy called kesar bhaat. Here is how to make it.
Ingredients
- Saffron: A few strands
- Basmati rice: 1 cup (soaked)
- Pure ghee: 1 tablespoon
- Raisins: 2 tablespoons
- Cashewnuts: 7-8 (halved)
- Sugar: 8 tablespoons
- Green cardamom powder: ½ teaspoon
- Sugar crystals: 25 grams
Preparation
- Take a small bowl filled with 1 tablespoon of warm water.
- Dissolve saffron in it.
- Take pan and heat ghee on medium flame.
- Add cashew nuts and raisins. Set aside.
- Add rice to the same pan and saute for at least 2 minutes.
- Now add the saffron rice along with one and a half cups of boiling water and let the rice cook.
- When the rice is cooked 50 per cent, add sugar.
- Let all the water be absorbed by the rice and then add cardamom powder.
- Mix nicely and serve after garnishing with sugar crystals, raisins, and cashew nuts.
Now that you know the recipe, what are you waiting for? Step ahead and give it a try. We are sure you will do fine. Happy cooking!