This tasty rice bears the same name as Bashir’s Basha’s Exquisite Gifts shop in Northampton, and it’s almost as full of pleasant surprises. But be sure to use the natural pistachios — not the pink or you won’t get the lovely warm saffron color.
Yield:
Serves 10 to 12.Ingredients
2 cups white rice, washed and picked over as necessary
1 generous handful each shelled plain pistachio nuts, whole almonds, and cashews
3 cups water (approximately)
1 handful raisins
3 tablespoons butter
3 generous pinches saffron
1 handful fresh chopped coriander (cilantro)
Instructions
Wash rice in hot water to dean and soften (most Indian rice is merely husked and needs to be cleaned). Put nuts in water and bring to a boil; simmer briefly. Add raisins, butter, and saffron. Add rice by handfuls. Lower heat and cook, covered, until rice is tender. Add chopped coriander and stir. Serve hot.
