Rice with Saffron and Nuts Zaffrani Chaval

Indulge in the aromatic elegance of Zaffrani Chaval, a traditional dish of fragrant basmati rice infused with saffron and studded with golden roasted nuts and plump raisins. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious side or main dish, perfect for celebrations or any special occasion. The magic lies in blooming saffron strands in warm milk, which imparts a stunning golden hue and a delicate floral aroma to the rice. Flavored with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, and enriched with ghee, every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors—crispy nuts, sweet dried fruit, and perfectly tender grains. Whether served alongside rich curries or enjoyed on its own, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and palate. Perfect for impressing your guests or elevating a weeknight dinner!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 4 cups Water
• 1 large pinch Saffron strands
• 2 tablespoons Warm milk
• 2 tablespoons Ghee
• 1 2-inch piece Cinnamon stick
• 4 pieces Cloves
• 4 pods Green cardamom pods
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 cup Cashews
• 0.25 cup Almonds
• 2 tablespoons Raisins
• 1 tablespoon Fresh coriander leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes and then drain.

Step 2

In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in warm milk and set aside to bloom for 10 minutes.

Step 3

Heat a pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of ghee. Once melted, roast the cashews, almonds, and raisins until the nuts are golden and the raisins puff up. Remove and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the drained rice to the pot and gently stir to coat the rice with the ghee and spices.

Step 6

Pour in 4 cups of water, the saffron milk, sugar, and salt. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil on high heat.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 8

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to steam.

Step 9

Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Add the roasted nuts and raisins, mixing them evenly into the rice.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired and serve warm as a side dish or on its own.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1560.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1383.3

Total Fat 64.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.6g
Cholesterol 82.5mg	0%
Sodium 2443.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 177.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.4g	0%
Total Sugars 48.5g
Protein 28.9g	0%

Vitamin D 12.0IU	0%
Calcium 351.9mg	0%
Iron 11.5mg	0%
Potassium 704.4mg	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: 41.2%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 50.5%