Zaffarani Pullao (India-Saffron Pilaf)

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Zaffarani Pullao (India-Saffron Pilaf)

 

2 cups long-grain rice, preferably Basmati

3 to 4 fresh ripe peaches, or 1 16 ounce can peaches in syrup, drained

6 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil

1/4 cup slivered blanched almonds

1/4 cup unsalted pistachios

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 (3-inch long) cinnamon stick

1 cup milk

1/4 cup seedless raisins

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/2 teaspoon powdered saffron

salt, to taste

 

Soak the rice in 3 cups cold water for 30 minutes.

Drain the rice, reserving the water, and set aside.

Cut the peaches lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices.

Heat the ghee or oil in a large saucepan over moderate heat and saute the peach

slices until golden on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon

and drain on paper towels.

In the same ghee, saute the almonds until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove

and drain. Repeat with the pistachios. Set the almonds and pistachios aside.

Add the onion to the ghee remaining in the pan and saute until tender, about 3

minutes, add garlic and saute another minute. Add the cinnamon stick and fry for

1 minute. Add the rice and stir constantly for 2 minutes, until the rice begins

to brown and is thoroughly coated with the ghee. Add the reserved water, milk,

raisins, cardamom, saffron and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to

prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to low

and simmer covered for 10 minutes.

Remove from the heat and allow to sit covered for 15 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork, remove and discard the cinnamon stick, and transfer

to a serving platter. Surround the rice with the reserved peach slices and

sprinkle with the almonds and pistachios.

Serves 4 to 6.