The unique aroma of saffron can be hard to dissect – it’s described as a “blend of earth, tobacco, vanilla, honey, salty-sweet” (source – Saffron Market). Its flavour is just as hard to pinpoint – it is bitter, sweet, and savoury all at once. This complexity of flavour and aroma is exactly why it’s called the King Of Spices.

You can find this luxurious spice in drinks, food, and desserts alike in Indian cooking. Though small, the delicate strands give an insurmountable amount of flavour and are used in various traditional Indian dishes. Here are some of the popular Indian dishes where saffron is a key ingredient.

Kahwa

The Kahwa is a Kashmiri tea that is infused with Indian spices – one such spice is saffron. The tea takes on a reddish-gold hue and is rich in vitamin B12 and antioxidants owing to the saffron present in it. The spice gives the tea a rich, warm, earthy taste that is hard to describe but is easily gulped down with a side of biscuits.

Vegetarian Biryani

Biryani is a household name today. It is loved for its complex flavour and fragrance – in which the saffron plays a key role. This spice is what bestows the beautiful golden hue to the biryani and brings the dish together. Just a few strands are enough – combined with the other spices and aromatics, it gives the rice a heady aroma and packs every morsel with so much flavour that it leaves your mouth watering just thinking about it.

Rogan Josh

You can find this luxurious spice in Indian curries such as the Rogan Josh. Saffron pairs well with meat and is added to gravies and curries for the added flavour and aroma. The addition of saffron to the Rogan Josh gives it the deep and nuanced flavour this curry is famous for.

Phirni

The phirni is a type of rice pudding made with ground rice, milk, sugar, saffron, and other spices.

We add the saffron to give the dessert a sweet yet savoury flavour that the spice is known for, and a unique aroma. It also adds a dash of colour to the phirni that brings it to life.

How do you get the best flavour out of your saffron?

The tiny strands are quite bitter by themselves. So it is best to soak them in warm water or milk to soften the bitterness and get the most flavour out of the saffron.

The saffron can be added to all your dishes – adding a touch of luxury to every meal. Visit our website to find the best Indian recipes you can use the King of Spices in.