Make yellow sweet rice like pudding at home in just 15 minutes, the taste is such that whoever eats it will praise it.

News India Live, Digital Desk: The day of Vasant Panchami is not limited to just wearing yellow clothes, but offering Saraswati Puja on this day is also very special. Saffron rice is prepared in almost every house of North India on this day. Although making it is not rocket science, but if the correct method is not known then it can also become rice khichdi.

Let us know step-by-step how to prepare halwa like velvety and blooming saffron rice at home:

What things will be needed? (Ingredients)

• Rice: Basmati or any long grain rice (about 1 cup)
• Sweetness: Half to one cup sugar (as per your choice)
• Fragrance and Color: Real saffron threads or a little yellow food color
• For garnishing: Desi ghee, cashew nuts, almonds, raisins and dry coconut kernel
• Extra Flavor: Green cardamom, cloves and a pinch of salt

Recipe: Step-by-Step

1. Soak the rice: First of all, wash the rice and leave it in water for at least 20-30 minutes. Due to this the rice swells well and does not break while cooking.
2. Boiling is the real game: Boil water in a large vessel and add 2-3 cloves, green cardamom and water containing yellow color or saffron. Now add rice to it and cook. Here, keep in mind that the rice should not be cooked completely, only 80-90% should be cooked (i.e. there should be a little lump left in the rice when pressed with hands). After this drain (filter) the water.
3. Add tempering: Now heat some desi ghee in a pan and fry cashew nuts, almonds and coconut in it till they turn golden. Take all these out and keep them aside.
4. Sugar combination: Mix boiled rice and sugar in the same ghee. The rice will release some water as soon as you add the sugar, don’t worry! Mix gently so that the grains do not break. If you want, you can also add some lukewarm milk in which saffron is dissolved.
5. Low flame and the art of ‘Dum’: Cover the pan and let it steam for 5-7 minutes on low flame. When all the water dries up and the rice becomes shiny, then understand that your work is done.
6. Serving: Finally add fried dry fruits on top. Believe me, the aroma of saffron and ghee that will spread throughout the house will create an atmosphere of Vasant Panchami.

Little pro-tip:
If you want to double the taste of saffron rice, then sprinkle half a spoon of pure desi ghee and a pinch of cardamom powder on top while serving it. Goddess Saraswati will be offered food and a wonderful dessert is also ready for the family.