By Aparna Dutta
December 27th, 2023
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A tiny amount of saffron, also called a kesar or zaffran, is sufficient to give any dish flavour, colour, and aroma. This delicate spice, which comes from the saffron crocus flower, gives both sweet and savoury dishes like saffron milk and kesar shirkhand, a beautiful golden-yellow colour as well as a unique aroma and flavour. Here are some of the uses of saffron in Indian cooking.
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One of the main ingredients in biryani is saffron threads. After soaking in warm milk or water, they are poured over the biryani before cooking. This gives the biryani its beautiful aroma and a nice colour.
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Saffron-infused milk is also commonly known as kesar doodh. It is a much-loved beverage during festive events like Holi.
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Saffron is utilised for adding flavours and colours to different types of sweets. The beautiful golden hue and aroma in desserts like kheer, kesar peda, and ladoo come from saffron.
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In several parts of India saffron is also used in teas. The infusion of saffron in teas gives it a layer of depth and enhances the taste. This tea is extremely refreshing and is prepared using saffron strands, ginger, lime, cinnamon, and lime wedges.
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Saffron is used even in starters such as tandoori paneer tikka to add a subtle flavour and colour. Saffron is included in the marinade in addition to lemon juice, besan, and a variety of other spices.
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Without a doubt, every single person has tried Kesar Srikhand. This Indian dessert is prepared with hung curds and flavoured with saffron and cardamom and goes amazingly well with puri and aloo ki subzi.
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The visually appealing and enticing shahi pulao contains paneer, canned pineapple, cashews, raisins, and strands of saffron to represent shahi. It's quite simple to prepare once all the vegetables and rice are cooked. Thus, just before serving, put the ingredients together and cook them.
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