Char’s Aromatic Rose Water Saffron Green Peas Pilaf
Description:
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with this delightful pilaf recipe that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Char’s Aromatic Rose Water Saffron Green Peas Pilaf is a fragrant, flavorful dish that combines the exotic aromas of saffron and rose water with the earthy tones of spices and the sweetness of green peas. This recipe is a family favorite, and I’m excited to share it with you. Perfect for those who love experimenting with spices and want to add a touch of elegance to their meal, this pilaf is bound to impress!
Recipe Category:
Long Grain Rice
Keywords:
Rice, Asian, Indian, < 60 Mins, Stove Top
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 388.6 kcal
- Fat Content: 13 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2 g
- Cholesterol Content: 0 mg
- Sodium Content: 599.3 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 60.7 g
- Fiber Content: 5 g
- Sugar Content: 2.8 g
- Protein Content: 8 g
Servings:
4
Total Time:
45 minutes
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 40 minutes | 45 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
- 3 3/4 cups water
- 1 tsp cumin seed
- 4 cloves
- 4 green cardamoms
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp rose water
- 3/4 cup green peas
- 1 pinch saffron strands
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 4 – 5 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to taste)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Broth:
If you wish to enhance the flavor of your pilaf, you can prepare a broth using Maggi vegetable cubes with onions instead of plain water. This step is optional but highly recommended for a richer taste.
- Dissolve 2 cubes of Maggi vegetable broth with onions in 3 3/4 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, ensuring the cubes dissolve completely.
- Once dissolved, remove from flame and set aside, keeping it covered until required.
2. Preparing the Rice:
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and ensures that the rice cooks up fluffy and separate.
3. Cooking the Spices:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium flame.
- Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds, cloves, green cardamoms, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and whole black peppercorns to the skillet.
- Allow the cumin seeds to splutter, releasing their aromatic essence into the oil. This process takes about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the spices.
4. Incorporating the Peas and Rice:
- Once the cumin seeds stop spluttering, add the green peas to the skillet.
- Stir in the salt and mix well to combine.
- Next, fold in the drained rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the spice-infused oil.
- Add the saffron strands, lemon juice (adjust to taste), and rose water.
5. Adding the Broth and Spices:
- Pour in the prepared water or Maggi vegetable broth with onions.
- Sprinkle in the curry powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder.
- Mix everything well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
6. Cooking the Pilaf:
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the flame to low.
- Partially cover the skillet and allow the pilaf to cook until all the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. This should take about 20-25 minutes. Do not stir the rice during this time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
7. Serving:
- Once the rice is fully cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from the flame.
- Fluff the pilaf gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Serve hot immediately on clean plates, accompanied by low-fat or fat-free plain yogurt or a raita on the side. This adds a cooling contrast to the warm, spiced pilaf.
Tips for the Perfect Pilaf:
- Rice Quality: Use high-quality basmati rice for the best texture and aroma.
- Rinsing Rice: Properly rinsing the rice helps to remove excess starch and prevents the grains from sticking together.
- Saffron: Soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm water or milk before adding to the rice for a deeper color and flavor.
- Broth Alternative: If you don’t have Maggi vegetable cubes, you can use any vegetable broth or even chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
- Rose Water: Be cautious with the amount of rose water as it has a strong flavor. Adjust to your preference to avoid overpowering the dish.
Enjoy!
Serve this aromatic and flavorful pilaf at your next family dinner or special occasion. The combination of spices, saffron, and rose water creates a unique and memorable dish that is sure to become a favorite. Pair it with your favorite curry or a simple salad for a complete meal. Happy cooking! 🍚🌸✨
