Saffron Bengali Mishti Pulao with Nuts and Raisins

Bengali Holud Mishti Pulao (Saffron Flavored Rice With Nuts)

This Bengali Holud Mishti Pulao is a fragrant rice dish infused with the warm flavors of saffron and loaded with a mix of toasted nuts like cashews, almonds, pistachios, and raisins. Perfect for a special lunch, this dish is a beautiful combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati rice (or Gobindo Bhog rice)
• 1/4 cup Green peas (Matar), steamed (optional)
• 1-inch piece Ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Cumin powder (Jeera)
• 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
• 2 Bay leaves (Tej Patta), roughly torn
• 1-inch Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini)
• 3 Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds
• 3 Cloves (Laung)
• 1/2 teaspoon Mace powder
• Few strands of Saffron
• 3 tablespoons Ghee (clarified butter)
• 2 tablespoons Cashew nuts, halved
• 2 tablespoons Sultana raisins
• 2 tablespoons Pistachios, roughly chopped

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice:
   In a pressure cooker, add 1 tablespoon of ghee, grated ginger, and 2 cups of water along with the Basmati rice. Cook the rice until it’s tender and fluffy. Once done, allow the rice to rest.

2. Prepare the Seasoning:
   In a small pan, heat a little ghee and add bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Cook for 10-15 seconds until fragrant.

3. Toast the Nuts and Spices:
   Add cashews, raisins, pistachios, cumin powder, turmeric powder, nutmeg powder, mace powder, and saffron strands to the pan. Stir for a minute to combine and toast the nuts lightly.

4. Combine the Rice and Seasoning:
   Add the cooked rice to the pan, followed by the green peas and sugar. Mix well and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Serve:
   Your Bengali Holud Mishti Pulao is ready to be served! Pair this vibrant saffron rice with a rich Bengali dish like Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in Mustard Sauce) or Bengali Doi Maach (Fish in Yogurt Sauce) for a truly authentic meal.

Enjoy the delicious and aromatic Bengali Holud Mishti Pulao as part of your next meal. It’s a comforting yet special treat perfect for any occasion!