Coconut and Saffron Creamy Rice
Elevate your mealtime with this luxuriously fragrant Coconut and Saffron Creamy Rice. Infused with the golden hues of saffron, the tropical richness of coconut milk, and a tender hint of cardamom, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Toasted coconut flakes and vibrant pistachios lend a delightful crunch and irresistible visual appeal, making it as stunning as it is flavorful. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone centerpiece, this creamy rice pairs beautifully with spicy curries or a dollop of cooling yogurt. Quick to prepare and bursting with aromatic layers, this recipe is your go-to for an indulgent yet effortless dining experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1.5 cups Coconut milk
- 1 cup Water
- 0.25 teaspoon Saffron strands
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 3 pieces Cardamom pods
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Toasted coconut flakes
- 2 tablespoons Chopped pistachios
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping.
In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm water to extract their color and aroma. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted.
Add the cardamom pods and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the rinsed and drained basmati rice, coating the rice in the butter and allowing it to toast slightly for about 2 minutes.
Pour in the coconut milk, water, saffron water (along with the strands), sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Let the rice simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during cooking, as this will release steam.
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, being careful not to break the grains.
Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with toasted coconut flakes and chopped pistachios for added texture and flavor.
Serve warm as a side dish or a main dish with a dollop of plain yogurt or alongside a spicy curry.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
710 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.9 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.5 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 1255 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 103.2 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.6 g | ||
| Protein | 11.6 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 82 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 610 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
