Kashmiri Pulao - Aromatic, Mild, Sweet and Colorful

Kashmiri pulao is aromatic, mild, sweet and colorful unlike any other pulao. Kashmiri pulao is like the gist of Kashmir served on a plate, a heaven to relish ! Each and every grain of Kashmiri pulao is infused with the delicate flavor of fresh cream and mild aroma of the spices.  Adorned with a blend of Kashmiri fruits and nuts, it is a perfect dish for dinner.

Servings – 3 to 4

Preparation time : 30 min

Cooking time : 45 min

Ingredients:

• 1  ½ cup rice
• 2 cup water
• 1 cup milk + ¼ cup fresh cream ( optional )
• ¼ tsp Kashmiri chili powder
• 1 tbsp soaked saffron water
• Salt according to taste (Approx 1 tsp)
• 7-8 cashews (roughly chopped)
• 4-5 almonds (roughly chopped)

For tadka:

• 2 tbsp ghee
• ¼ tsp cumin seeds
• 3-4 dry red chillies
• 3 cloves
• 3 black paper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 1 pinch black cumin seeds ( Shahi Jeera )
• 2 green cardamoms

For Garnishing :

• Fine chopped Apple
• Tinned pineapple
• Tinned or Fresh Cherries
• Fresh grapes
• Dry fruits Sauteed in Ghee (Almonds , Cashews , Raisins etc)

Preparation :

•  Soak rice for 15 – 20 minutes.
• Saute dry fruits in 1 tbsp Ghee for garnishing.

Method :

• Heat ghee in non-stick pan
• Add cumin seeds
• Add  rest of ingredients of tadka and stir till you get fragrance (Approx 1min)
• Add cashew and almond; stir till color of cashew becomes pink/light brown
• Add drained rice
• Add black cumin seeds
• Add water and milk
• Add salt and sugar
• Close the pan and keep at medium flame, let it cook till rice gets cooked
• Turn off the flame
• Add saffron water.
• Garnish it with fruits and dry fruits.