--- title: Saffron ground rice description: This simple saffron ground rice recipe is ideal for easy to chew, soft and smooth/puree diets. It is an easy to prepare side dish for Indian meals. image: https://judeshealthjourney.com/hubfs/Mung%20dal%20featured%20image.jpg --- [![JHJ\_logo\_colour\_with\_background](https://judeshealthjourney.com/hubfs/Logo%20files/JHJ_logo_colour_with_background.svg)](https://judeshealthjourney.com/) - [About](https://judeshealthjourney.com/about) - [Values](https://judeshealthjourney.com/values) - [Support](https://judeshealthjourney.com/support) - [Favourites](https://judeshealthjourney.com/favourites) - [Blog](https://judeshealthjourney.com/blog) [SUBSCRIBE](https://judeshealthjourney.com/subscribe) ## What are you looking for? [Easy to chew](https://judeshealthjourney.com/blog/tag/easy-to-chew) [Soft diet](https://judeshealthjourney.com/blog/tag/soft-diet) [Side dishes](https://judeshealthjourney.com/blog/tag/side-dishes) [Gluten free](https://judeshealthjourney.com/blog/tag/gluten-free) [Dairy free](https://judeshealthjourney.com/blog/tag/dairy-free) [Smooth/puree](https://judeshealthjourney.com/blog/tag/smooth-puree) [Texture modified](https://judeshealthjourney.com/blog/tag/texture-modified) # Saffron ground rice On October 20, 2026 [![Jude Cooper](https://judeshealthjourney.com/hubfs/Jude%20240703.jpg) Jude Cooper](https://judeshealthjourney.com/blog/author/jude-cooper) ![Saffron ground rice](https://judeshealthjourney.com/hubfs/Mung%20dal%20featured%20image.jpg) *Please support Jude's Health Journey by using the affiliate links in this post - they will only take you to websites and products that I use and love! I will receive a small commission from any purchases you make, at no extra cost to you. Note: Affiliate links are preceded by (Ad)*   My saffron ground rice is easy to make, and it is soft and easy to eat without needing a blender or food processor. It is attractively presented by using a basic ramekin as a mould and makes a perfect easy to chew, soft-diet or smooth/purée side dish. The recipe is made with ground rice that is cooked with saffron, giving it a delicate yellow colour. The easy to chew and soft-diet options are moulded in a small ramekin and decorated with a few saffron strands, whereas I think the smooth/purée option is lovely served on a thali plate which allows each component of the meal to shine, whatever its texture and consistency (photos to follow as I just got some shiny new thali plates!). #### The ingredients ##### Ground rice Ground rice is an ideal ingredient for texture modified diets, because it can be used just as it is without the need for blending. It can be used for lots of different dishes, both savoury and sweet, and it is easy to adjust the consistency. It gives a soft and smooth result with a slightly gritty texture that provides variety, even in a smooth/purée meal. Note that ground rice is *not* the same as rice flour. Ground rice is available online e.g. from wiltonwholefoods.com and buywholefoodsonline.co.uk (both of which feature in my cupboards!). ##### Seasonings The rice is delicately flavoured with saffron, ground cumin, sea salt and finely ground pepper. I prefer to use finely ground mixed peppercorns in this recipe - I think they are mellower and compete less with the rest of the ingredients - but finely ground black pepper would work too. #### Preparation This recipe is easy to make, and doesn't require any special equipment or techniques. I use a small stainless steel saucepan and a [(Ad)metal balloon whisk](https://judeshealthjourney.com/recommend/dexam/balloon-whisk) to keep the rice smooth and free of lumps.  #### Serving Serve in warmed bowls or on thali plates as a perfect accompaniment to my [smooth mung dal](https://judeshealthjourney.com/blog/smooth-mung-dal), or other Indian dishes. #### Kitchen equipment The equipment I use to make this recipe includes: Kitchen scale Measuring jug [(Ad)Measuring spoons](https://judeshealthjourney.com/recommend/dexam/measuring-spoons) [(Ad)Mini measuring spoons](https://judeshealthjourney.com/recommend/dexam/mini-measuring-spoons) [(Ad)Balloon whisk](https://judeshealthjourney.com/recommend/dexam/balloon-whisk) ## Saffron ground rice A decadent accompaniment to Indian dishes! ##### Serves 1 #### Ingredients 30 g ground rice ⅛ teaspoon [((Ad)dash)](https://judeshealthjourney.com/recommend/dexam/mini-measuring-spoons) ground cumin 1⁄16 teaspoon [((Ad)pinch)](https://judeshealthjourney.com/recommend/dexam/mini-measuring-spoons) [(Ad)sea salt flakes](https://judeshealthjourney.com/recommend/ethicalsuperstore/sea-salt-flakes) 5 - 10 saffron strands finely ground mixed peppercorns (or black pepper) 130 ml cold water [(Ad)unrefined sunflower oil](https://judeshealthjourney.com/recommend/ethicalsuperstore/sunflower-oil) warm milk or cream (smooth/purée option) ![saffron rice circle](https://judeshealthjourney.com/hs-fs/hubfs/saffron%20rice%20circle.png?width=550&height=549&name=saffron%20rice%20circle.png) ### Method \*The easy to chew and soft-diet options are smooth, but the moulded rice may be too stiff for smooth/purée diets. If so, follow the smooth/purée method. #### Easy to chew and soft-diet options 1. Place the ground rice, ground cumin, sea salt flakes, half the saffron strands, finely ground black pepper and 130 ml cold water into a small saucepan. Cover and set aside for 1 hour. 2. Generously oil the inside of a small ramekin (approx. 150 ml capacity) with a little sunflower oil and place the rest of the saffron strands in the bottom. Set aside. 3. Put the saucepan over a low to medium heat, and heat gently, whisking continuously until the rice thickens. It should be thick enough to keep its shape, but not too stiff. 4. Spoon the rice into the prepared ramekin and leave to stand for a few minutes before turning out onto a warm bowl or plate. If it doesn't turn out easily, run a table knife around the sides of the ramekin. #### Smooth/purée option 1. Place the ground rice, ground cumin, sea salt flakes, all the saffron strands, finely ground black pepper and 130 ml cold water into a small saucepan. Cover and set aside for 1 hour. 2. Put the saucepan over a low to medium heat, and heat gently, whisking continuously until the rice thickens. It should be thick enough to keep its shape, but not too stiff. 3. Remove from the heat and add a little warm milk or cream until the right texture is achieved. Serve in a warmed bowl.   [Subscribe](https://judeshealthjourney.com/subscribe) to my blog for more about cooking techniques, ingredients and tasty recipes! If you found this post helpful, please consider supporting Jude's Health Journey - find out more by clicking on the button below. 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