Saffron-Infused Sweet Rice Pudding

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

A creamy Bengali dessert with floral saffron, cardamom, and toasted nuts. This indian-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers short-grain rice, saffron threads, whole milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a saucepan, combine rice, crushed saffron, milk, and cracked cardamom pods. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  2. Step 2: Cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
  3. Step 3: Stir in sugar and cook for 2 more minutes until dissolved. Remove cardamom pods, transfer to bowls, and top with chopped almonds before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Saffron-Infused Sweet Rice Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Saffron-Infused Sweet Rice Pudding?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Saffron-Infused Sweet Rice Pudding?

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 Saffron-Infused Sweet Rice Pudding 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 Saffron-Infused Sweet Rice Pudding?

Indian desserts 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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