Cumin and Saffron Rice

Elevate your side dishes with this exquisite Cumin and Saffron Rice recipe, a fragrant and flavorful twist on traditional basmati rice. Infused with the earthy warmth of cumin seeds and the luxurious aroma of saffron, this dish is a perfect harmony of spices and golden hues. Sautéed in ghee with a hint of bay leaf for depth, each grain is infused with rich flavors and a buttery texture. Soaking the saffron brings out its vibrant color and aromatic essence, while the optional fresh cilantro garnish adds a bright, herbal finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy yet elegant recipe is ideal for pairing with everything from hearty curries to grilled meats. Perfect for your next dinner party or weeknight indulgence, this delightful dish will impress with its aroma, taste, and presentation.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1 pinch Saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons Warm water
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon Ghee (or unsalted butter)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2

In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water. Set aside to steep while you prepare the rice.

Step 3

Heat the ghee in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the cumin seeds and bay leaf to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until the cumin seeds become fragrant and start to sizzle.

Step 5

Add the washed rice to the pan and stir gently to coat the grains in the ghee and spices. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Pour in 2 cups of water and stir in the salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the water.

Step 8

Turn off the heat and drizzle the saffron water (along with the threads) evenly over the cooked rice. Cover the pan again and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the saffron to infuse fully.

Step 9

Gently fluff the rice with a fork, being careful not to break the grains.

Step 10

Serve the cumin and saffron rice warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(731.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	368.1

Total Fat 14.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 33mg	0%
Sodium 1202.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 52.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.3g	0%
Total Sugars 0.2g
Protein 7.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 81.3mg	0%
Iron 5.1mg	0%
Potassium 127.2mg	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: 34.7%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 56.8%