Rating: 3.60
(50)

Coconut and Saffron Rice Pudding

August 8, 2023

Coconut and Saffron Rice Pudding is a luscious and aromatic dessert that brings together the comforting richness of rice pudding with the tropical flavors of coconut and the luxurious fragrance of saffron. This fusion of flavors creates a delicately spiced, creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or a quiet evening indulgence.

The base of this pudding is made with rice, which is simmered slowly in a mixture of coconut milk and whole milk, giving it a rich, creamy texture. Coconut milk adds a velvety smoothness and a subtle tropical sweetness that beautifully complements the softness of the rice. As the rice cooks, it absorbs the flavors, becoming soft and tender while thickening into a luscious custard-like consistency.

Saffron is the star spice of this dish, adding not only a stunning golden color but also a floral, slightly earthy aroma that pairs perfectly with the coconut. A few strands of saffron are gently steeped in warm milk to release their color and fragrance before being mixed into the pudding. The result is a comforting, aromatic dessert with a beautiful golden hue.

To sweeten the pudding, a little sugar or jaggery is added, allowing the natural sweetness of the coconut and saffron to shine through without overpowering the flavors. Cardamom is often included for an added layer of warmth, giving the dish a traditional Indian twist.

Once the rice pudding is cooked, it is left to cool slightly before being served. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Garnish with slivers of pistachios, almonds, or shredded coconut for extra texture and a touch of elegance.

Coconut and Saffron Rice Pudding is not only delicious but also visually stunning with its golden hue and fragrant aroma. It’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and soothing, making it perfect for everything from dinner parties to casual family gatherings.

In summary, this rice pudding is a beautiful fusion of creamy, tropical flavors and rich spices. The coconut and saffron come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s luxurious, comforting, and utterly irresistible.

Coconut and Saffron Rice Pudding
Coconut and Saffron Rice Pudding
3.60 from 50 votes
A delicious and creamy dessert made with coconut milk and flavored with saffron.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 coconut milk 400ml
  • 1/2 cup condensed milk
  • 1/4 tsp saffron strands
  • 1/4 cup pistachios chopped
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp ghee

Instructions
 

  • Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 15 minutes. Drain the rice and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the drained rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the coconut milk, condensed milk, saffron strands, sugar, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the rice simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the pudding has thickened.
  • Stir in the chopped pistachios and raisins. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pudding cool slightly.
  • Serve the coconut and saffron rice pudding warm or chilled, garnished with additional chopped pistachios and saffron strands, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 6gFat: 15gFiber: 2g
Calories: 300kcal
Meal Type: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: pudding
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. 5 stars
    Love this recipe! Just made it for my family and everyone wants seconds! 😍

    1. User avatar basementDweller says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! I love hearing that! What other dishes do you recommend for family dinners?

  2. 3 stars
    I’m not sure about the saffron. Kinda expensive for just a little bit. Could use more sugar!

  3. User avatar taylor.kutch says:

    5 stars
    This pudding was absolutely delicious! The saffron added a lovely flavor. Will make again.

  4. User avatar curtis.bernier98 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe’s easy! Simple ingredients and it came out perfect! Kudos! 👍

  5. User avatar evan.hauck67 says:

    3 stars
    Is basmati rice necessary? Can I use any other type? Asking for a friend.

  6. User avatar inge.osinski91 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved it! The coconut milk gives it a great flavor. My kids devoured it!

  7. User avatar camelia.bauch says:

    5 stars
    Delicious!!! Seriously, what’s better than coconut and saffron?!

  8. User avatar liberal.hero says:

    3 stars
    Pudding was ok, but I forget to soak rice. Oops. Will try again properly later. 3 stars.

  9. User avatar sandy.adams says:

    1 star
    Not a fan, too many raisins! I just wanted plain rice pudding. 😒

  10. 4 stars
    How much is 1/4 tsp in real measurements? I got confused. Is it a lot? 🤔

    1. User avatar neville.hackett says:

      5 stars
      1/4 tsp is really just a tiny amount, kinda like a pinch. You won’t need to worry, it won’t be too much! 😊

    2. User avatar Miss Vanesa Stanton says:

      3 stars
      I think it’s not a lot… but if you’re unsure, maybe just put a lil bit less? Just to be safe.

  11. User avatar rene.fahey38 says:

    4 stars
    Easy to follow! I used almond milk instead and it turned out great! 4 stars!

    1. User avatar joellen.zulauf86 says:

      4 stars
      Nice! I gotta try that almond milk thing. Sounds good and healthier, right? Thanks for sharing your twist!

    2. User avatar echo.kertzmann96 says:

      3 stars
      Almond milk? Isn’t that a bit risky? Coconut milk is the real deal for this! But hey, as long as you liked it, that’s what matters.

  12. 2 stars
    I don’t get the hype. It was too sweet for my taste and the saffron didn’t shine through.

    1. 4 stars
      I guess not everyone likes it sweet, but maybe you could try reducing the sugar next time? Saffron does need a bit more to shine, too.

  13. User avatar barney.luettgen says:

    2 stars
    Too much cardamom, I couldn’t taste the coconut. I’ll stick to the classic rice pudding.

    1. User avatar bertie.dickinson2008 says:

      4 stars
      I think the cardamom really adds a unique flavor! You should give it another shot.

    2. User avatar Eloy Wintheiser says:

      5 stars
      Too much cardamom?? I never heard that before. I loved it just like this! Classic is boring sometimes.

  14. 4 stars
    Super easy to make and delicious! Will definitely make again.

  15. User avatar Jc McLaughlin says:

    5 stars
    Yummy!! I topped mine with some fresh mango slices and it was amazing!

  16. User avatar Vladimir Harkonnen says:

    1 star
    Rice pudding’s for dessert, not for breakfast! Who eats this in the mornin’?!

  17. 3 stars
    It was okay, but I think I missed something. The texture was off for me.

    1. User avatar kareen.jast says:

      4 stars
      I think the texture might be off if you didn’t simmer it long enough. Did you follow all the steps?

    2. User avatar dana.beier68 says:

      5 stars
      I found it pretty creamy! Maybe next time try adding more coconut milk?

  18. 5 stars
    This rice pudding is the best I ever made, so creamy and sweet! Definitely a keeper.

    1. User avatar benedict.harris84 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you loved it! This recipe is indeed a winner. My family devours it every time!

    2. 2 stars
      Best? Really? I tried it and it came out too sweet for me. Not sure what I did wrong.

  19. User avatar zackary.blanda27 says:

    4 stars
    Yum!!! Saffron is a li’l pricey but oh boy, worth it for that color and taste!

    1. User avatar iva.morissette72 says:

      2 stars
      But is saffron really that different from turmeric? I mean, they both color food, right?

    2. 5 stars
      Totally agree! Saffron really gives a special flair. This pudding is gonna be a hit at my next dinner party!

  20. 1 star
    Not for me, looked like baby food. Too thick and gloopy. 1 star.

  21. User avatar Damon Connelly says:

    4 stars
    I added a banana while cooking, it’s super bouncy now! LOL! 🍌

    1. 4 stars
      That sounds like a fun twist! Banana would definitely add a unique flavor. I might need to try that! 😄

    2. User avatar delmar.prosacco57 says:

      2 stars
      Weird choice, but if you liked it then cool! But rice pudding with banana? Not sure about that…

  22. 5 stars
    This pudding is divine! The coconut adds such a rich flavor. Loved it!

    1. User avatar katherine.dare1969 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! The coconut really takes it to another level. Trying this for my family dinner tonight!

  23. 3 stars
    Look yummy but I thought saffron was for fancy dishes. Idk if I can pull this off. 3 stars.

  24. User avatar lolita.hodkiewicz86 says:

    4 stars
    This looks complicated but I’m gonna try it this weekend! Wish me luck!

  25. User avatar ewa.stroman23 says:

    2 stars
    Followed the recipe but my pudding turned out too watery. What did I do wrong?

  26. User avatar antonio.hill says:

    3 stars
    I didn’t have coconut milk so I used almond milk instead. Still turned out good!

  27. 1 star
    I think I’ve made this wrong? It seemed watery. What am I doing wrong?

    1. User avatar ivory.sawayn1954 says:

      4 stars
      Don’t worry! It might be too much coconut milk or not cooked long enough. Just give it more time to thicken next time!

    2. 2 stars
      Watery? I dunno, might be the rice or somethin’. Could you add more sugar? Sweetness could help?

  28. User avatar tory.west75 says:

    2 stars
    I tried this but it was way too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time? 2 stars.

  29. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    5 stars
    This is a game-changer! Never tasted anything like it. 5 stars!

    1. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

      5 stars
      I can’t believe how easy this was! My family loved it! Definitely making it again.

    2. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

      3 stars
      Sounds fancy, but I’m not sure about saffron. Isn’t that super expensive? Is it really worth it?

3.60 from 50 votes
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