1teaspoonShahi jeera (kala jeera or black cumin seeds)
1teaspoonFennel seeds
Saltto taste
¼teaspoonDry ginger powder (sonth or saunth)
¼teaspoonGreen cardamom seeds powder
¼teaspoonBlack pepper powder
2cupsWater
For Topping:
1tablespoonGhee (Clarified butter)
6Cashew nuts
6Almonds
8-10Raisins
2Dried figschopped
2Walnutschopped
½cupRed onionsliced
½cupGrapescut into half
¼cupPomegranate arils
½cupApplechopped
Instructions
Wash the rice under running cold water till water runs clear. Or rinse two to three times or till the water is not cloudy any more.
Then soak in enough water for 15-20 minutes.
After soaking time, drain and keep the rice in colander. Keep it aside.
Meantime, warm up the milk in microwave for few seconds. Then add saffron in it and rub with your finger and thumb so it releases its flavor and color. Keep it aside.
Heat the ghee in a saucepan on medium heat.
Once hot add whole spices (cloves, green cardamoms, black cardamom and cinnamon stick. Saute for 30-40 seconds and you will get nice aroma of spices.
Then add shahi jeera and fennel seeds and Saute for 30-40 seconds.
Then add soaked rice and mix. Saute for 2 minutes.
Then add salt, dry ginger powder, cardamom seeds powder and black pepper powder. Mix well.
Then add water and saffron milk.
Let it come to a rolling boil. Then cover with lid and LOWER the heat to lowest. And cook for 17 minutes only.
Then turn off the stove and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
While rice is cooking, fry the dry fruits and make fried onions. Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in pan on medium heat.
Once hot fry the nuts and dry fruits (cashews, almonds, raisins, walnut and figs) one by one. Drain the excess ghee and remove it to a plate and keep it aside.
In the remaining ghee, add sliced onions and fry.
Keep stirring occasionally and let it caramelize. Fry till they are dark golden brown and crispy. Once done remove it to a plate.
Now the rice is cooked and rested for 5 minutes. Open the lid and fluff up the rice using fork.
Spread the rice on the serving plate. Top with fried dry fruits and nuts. Then sprinkle fried onions.
And lastly garnish with fruits and serve this kashmiri pulao with any sweet raita.