Desserts
Desi
Ingredients
- - 250 g Bhutanese red rice or white rice (1 1/4 cups)
- - 400 ml Water (1 3/4 cups)
- - 40 g Butter (3 tbsp)
- - 80 g Sugar (1/3 cup)
- - 1 pinch Saffron threads (soaked in 1 tbsp warm water)
- - 2 tbsp Raisins
Method
- Rinse the rice and cook with the water in a covered pot until tender, about 20 minutes.
- While the rice cooks, soak the saffron threads in warm water.
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in the butter, sugar, saffron liquid and raisins.
- Cover and let sit on low heat for 5 minutes so the rice absorbs the colour and sweetness evenly.
- Fluff gently with a fork and serve warm.
Introduction: Desi is a sweet saffron rice dish reserved for special occasions, blessings and religious ceremonies in Bhutan.
Cultural Background: Desi is a sweet saffron rice dish reserved for special occasions, blessings and religious ceremonies in Bhutan. Its golden colour, achieved with saffron and butter, symbolises auspiciousness, and it is often the first dish offered to guests of honour or served at the start of festive meals as a mark of good fortune.
Tips: Use good-quality saffron for the most vivid golden colour and aroma. Do not over-stir once the butter and sugar are added, to keep the rice grains intact.
Variations: Add chopped dried apricots or almonds for extra texture. Use a touch of ground cardamom for a fragrant variation.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Naturally vegetarian; use plant-based butter for a vegan version.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered pot with a splash of water, or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make Desi without saffron?
A: Yes, though the dish will lack its traditional golden colour; a small amount of turmeric can approximate the colour, with a different flavour.
Q: Is Desi very sweet?
A: It has a moderate sweetness, closer to a lightly sweetened rice than a rich dessert.