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.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping.

Step 2

In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm water to extract their color and aroma. Set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted.

Step 4

Add the cardamom pods and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed and drained basmati rice, coating the rice in the butter and allowing it to toast slightly for about 2 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the coconut milk, water, saffron water (along with the strands), sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, being careful not to break the grains.

Step 11

Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with toasted coconut flakes and chopped pistachios for added texture and flavor.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish or a main dish with a dollop of plain yogurt or alongside a spicy curry.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(860.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	709.9

Total Fat 29.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 31mg	0%
Sodium 1254.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 103.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.2g	0%
Total Sugars 41.6g
Protein 11.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 82.1mg	0%
Iron 4.2mg	0%
Potassium 609.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.9%

Protein: 6.4%

Carbs: 56.7%