Introduction:
Aromatic, rich and decorated with texture medley, Kashmiri Pulao is more than just rice - it is a direct celebration of taste from the Himalayan Valley. With each spoon, you will taste the gentle warmth of saffron, a shortage of golden almonds, sweet fruits or dried fruits and aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon. Originally served in royal festivals and festive gatherings, this dish reflects the cultural elegance of Kashmir and also turns into a simple meal.
Ingredients:
- Basmati Rice: 1 cup
- Ghee : 2-3 tbsp
- Whole spices:
- Cinnamon stick - 1 inch
- Clove : 3 -4
- Green cardamom : 3
- Bay leaf : 1
- Saffron
- Water: 2 cups
- Salt: to taste
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- For garnish:
- Almonds and cashews
- Raisins
Instructions:
- Prepare rice:
- Wash the basmati rice properly. Then, soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain well.
- Add the spices:
- Take a heavy bottomed pot, heat the ghee on medium heat. Add all whole spices like cinnamon , cloves, green cardamom and bay leaf. Soon the spices will release their aroma.
- Frying the rice :
- Now, add soaked and drained rice in the same pan. Let the rice fry for about 1 minute to absorb aromatic flavor gently coating each grain with ghees.
- Cooking rice:
- Take 2 cups of hot water, add it in the pan and some salt .
- Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot tightly, and simmer the rice for about 15-20 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
- Prepare for decoration:
- When cooking rice, do not heat a small pan in a little more ghee . Add the thinly sliced onion and fry them on a slow heat until they become golden brown and crisp. Remove the onion with a spoon and place it aside .
- In the same pan, simply toast some nuts like cashews and raisins until they are golden and aromatic, taking care not to burn them.
- Finish with saffron:
- Once the rice is cooked, gently sprinkle the saffron -infused milk over the rice and give it a lighter toss.
- Saffron not only give the rice its beautiful golden color, but also with its signature aroma.
- Assemble and serve:
- Transfer to a dish serving rice. Top with crispy fried onions and toasted nuts and raisins. For an additional explosion of freshness and sweetness, a few cubes of apples or pomegranate were scattered on top.
- Serve hot as a joyful with your favorite curry or dum aloo.
Tips and Variations :
- Flavor Boost: A few drops of rose water or kewara water before serving can give your rice more aroma.
- Texture Twist: For a slightly more rich texture, replace water with vegetable broth.
- Variations: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts; Pistachio and walnuts also work amazingly.
- Serving suggestion: To balance the flavors of your meal, attach this Kashmiri bridge with a cooling cucumber.
