Fragrant Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Cardamom and Saffron

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A delicate rice pilaf cooked with fragrant jasmine rice, infused with saffron and green cardamom pods for an aromatic side. This Indian-inspired rice and grain recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs jasmine rice, water, saffron strands for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak in cold water for 20 minutes and drain.
  2. Step 2: Soak 1/4 tsp saffron strands in 2 tbsp warm water for 10 minutes to release fragrance and color.
  3. Step 3: Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 whole green cardamom pods and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained rice to the pan, stirring gently to coat the grains with butter and cardamom, cooking for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 1/4 cups water, the saffron-infused water, and 3/4 tsp salt. Stir once to combine.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and water absorbed.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes to steam. Fluff rice gently with a fork before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fragrant Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Cardamom and Saffron take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Fragrant Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Cardamom and Saffron?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep jasmine rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fragrant Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Cardamom and Saffron?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fragrant Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Cardamom and Saffron for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Fragrant Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Cardamom and Saffron?

Indian rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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