Sweet Saffron Rice

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India

Known as an Indian recipe, with similar versions prepared across other nations.

Ingredients 10 ingredients

1 1/2 cups basmati rice
1 cinnamon stick -- 3-inch
3 tablespoons boiling water
3 tablespoons sugar
6 whole cloves
1 teaspoon saffron threads
1/2 cup raisins
6 green cardamom pods -- bruised*
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
salt -- to taste parsley sprigs -- for garnish

Contains Sulphites Read from the ingredients, not verified. Check labels.

Possible health benefits

General information, not medical advice.

Raisin High in potassium · High in copper · Source of iron
High in potassium · 825 mg per 100 g, 41% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Potassium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Potassium contributes to normal muscle function.
- Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
Potassium is a mineral found in many foods. Your body needs potassium for almost everything it does, including proper kidney and heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. NIH fact sheet
High in copper · 0.3 mg per 100 g, 30% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Copper contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues.
- Copper contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
5 more authorised claims

Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation.
Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body.
Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation.
Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Copper is a mineral that you need to stay healthy. Your body uses copper to carry out many important functions, including making energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels. NIH fact sheet
Source of iron · 2.6 mg per 100 g, 19% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Iron contributes to normal cognitive function.
- Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin.
4 more authorised claims

Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body.
Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Iron has a role in the process of cell division.
Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. NIH fact sheet
Nutrients per 100 g of “Raisins, seeded”, USDA FoodData Central.

Claims: EU Register of health claims (Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, © European Union, CC BY 4.0), shown only where the ingredient meets the claim's conditions (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006). Nutrients: USDA FoodData Central (CC0). Facts: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (public domain).

Cook safely

Keep children and pets away from the hob and the oven, and keep oven gloves and a lid within reach.

Boiling water and steam. Turn pan handles inward, away from the edge of the hob. Lift lids away from you, and pour hot water away from your body: steam burns too.

Method

Place rice in a sieve and rinse under cold running water until water runs clear. Put rice in a bowl with 2-1/2 cups water and soak 30 minutes. Put saffron in a small bowl, add boiling water and soak. Heat oil in a heavy saucepan, add cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon and cook 1 minute. Drain rice and reserve the soaking water. Add rice to the pan and cook 2-3 minutes until opaque and light golden. Stir in reserved water, saffron and its soaking water, raisins, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring once or twice until liquid is absorbed and rice is very tender. Remove spices before serving. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
The whole spices in the rice are not meant to be eaten. *Bruise the cardamom pods by placing in a plastic bag and smashing slightly with a rolling pin or hammer.