Sweet Saffron Rice

A fragrant North Indian rice dish sweetened with sugar and infused with saffron, perfect for festive occasions or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

For the Rice:

• 1½ tbsp ghee

• 1¼ cups basmati rice, soaked for 20 minutes

• 3–4 apricots, roughly chopped (optional)

• 2 cups water

• 1 tsp saffron strands soaked in ¼ cup warm water for 20 minutes

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 cloves

• 1 green cardamom pod

• ¼ cup water (additional)

• ⅓ cup sugar (additional)

• A splash of water

• Fried nuts (see below)

For Fried Nuts:

• 1 tbsp ghee

• 5–6 pistachios

• 5–6 almonds, halved

• 5–6 cashews

• ⅛ tsp fennel seeds

• ⅛ tsp crushed black peppercorns

• 1–2 slices dry coconut, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

• Heat ghee in a small pan and fry the pistachios, almonds, cashews, and coconut (if using) until golden.
• Add fennel seeds and crushed black pepper, stir, and set aside.
• In a separate pan, heat ghee and sauté the soaked rice for about a minute. Add apricots, 2 cups water, saffron along with the soaking water, ½ cup sugar, cloves, and cardamom.
• Stir well, cover, and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
• Add the fried nuts, ⅓ cup sugar, and a splash of water. Mix gently and serve warm.