Join us on this journey of cooking a famous, authentic, Middle Eastern dish. The Pomegranate Lamb and Saffron Rice recipe is a unique combination of tender lamb, sweet pomegranates, and alluring saffron-infused rice. This recipe is easy, full of flavors, and a perfect meal for family or guests.
The seamless blend of the flavors and textures is unmatched, offering you an unparalleled dining experience reminiscent of a gourmet restaurant. Well, now you can bring your dining experience to the comforts of your home with this detailed recipe. So, brace yourselves for an adventure of kitchen wonders!
From Our Kitchen to Yours
The Recipe’s Unique Charms
This recipe is a unique combination of different ingredients and spices and has variations in different countries. Discover some interesting facts that make this meal special and delicious.
The Magic of Middle-Eastern Rice
Originating in Iran, Saffron has exceptional taste. Iranians are well-known for their expertise in making rice as it has become a significant part of their cuisine, taking pride in their secrets for perfectly cooked saffron rice.
Saffron is used in many meals to enhance taste, in addition to its health benefits such as: being an antioxidant, its association with improving overall mood, and its cancer fighting properties.
There are many benefits related to saffron, which is why it is a significant ingredient that is widely sought after. So, adding it to your rice will surely take your meal to the next level. Saffron is what grants the rice a yellow tint, giving your meal a more delightful presentation.
Even a Better Sweet Secret
What makes this recipe even better is a touch of sweetness with some fresh pomegranates. Pomegranates will not only add a pop of color to your dish, but they also offer a hint of sweetness and acidity to the taste. This will elevate the flavor combination of the ingredients.
The Supreme Protein
A meal is never complete without some protein, and lamb is the perfect choice combined with saffron rice and some pomegranates. Lamb meat is rich in proteins and vitamins, and it has a strong delicious flavor. It is also known for its juiciness and tender texture when cooked properly.
Picture-Perfect Plate
Top Tips
Easy Baking: For the meal to cook well and for a better shape, use a Bundt pan.
Easy Bend: Add 1 inch cut going down the meat so its easier to bend.
Marinate Mindfully: You could marinate your lamb overnight or a few hours ahead to enhance the flavor.
Special Additions: You could toast some nuts such as almonds or pine nuts for a delightful crunch and add them on top. Moreover, you could add fresh parsley or mint and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses.
Condiments for Company: If you do not like your meal dry, consider making side condiments such as tahini sauce, tzatziki sauce, or garlic yogurt.
Extra Flavor: To enhance the flavor of your rice, you could toast the saffron threads gently in a dry pan for a minute or two before steeping them in warm water. This toasting process will release the saffron’s aroma and enhance the overall taste of your rice dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, while lamb is part of the traditional recipe and has a unique flavor, you can substitute it with other proteins such as beef or chicken. Adjust the cooking time according to the recipe.
Basmati rice is ideal for saffron rice due to its delicate aroma and ability to absorb flavors. However, you can use other long-grain rice varieties if needed.
Yes you could use ground saffron, but adjust the quantity accordingly. Roughly 1/4 teaspoon of ground saffron is equivalent to about 20 saffron threads.
To store leftovers of this meal, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. Consume them within 3-4 days for the best quality. You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage.
A Colorful Combination
Ingredients
For Saffron Rice:
Basmati rice
Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Yellow onion, finely diced
Bay leaf
Cardamom pods
Saffron threads
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Onion powder
Chicken broth
Hot water
For Lamb:
Lamb meat
Pomegranate molasses
Olive oil
Garlic cloves
Salt
Spice
Ground cardamom
Aleppo pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Irresistible Flavor
How to Prepare
The Lamb:
First, in a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, pomegranate molasses, and seasonings.
After that, brush it all over the lamb. Cover and place in the oven.
Finally, bake at 375 Fahrenheits for 50-65 minutes or less, depending on desired doneness.
The Rice:
First, wash the rice a few times in cold water until the water runs clear.
Next, let it soak in room temperature water for 20 minutes before draining.
Then, add the saffron to a mortar and pestle and grind until powdery.
After that, stir in 3 tablespoons of hot water. Let this sit.
Then, in a saucepan, combine olive oil and butter. Over medium heat, add the chopped onion, the cardamom pods, and the bay leaf. Then, sauté until the onion is translucent. Keep stirring for 8-10 minutes.
Next, add the drained rice, seasonings, the bloomed saffron, and mix.
Finally, let it come to a rolling boil on high heat for 5 minutes before covering and reducing the heat to low for 20 minutes.
Serve with the lamb and enjoy!
Good Food is Good Mood
Other Recipes You Might Like:
Middle Eastern Restaurant-Style Chicken
Middle Eastern Inspired Baked Salmon
Bukhari Rice and Chicken (Ruz Bukhari)
Meat Stuffed Pitas (Palestinian Arayes)
Tabbouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh)
Tender Middle Eastern Style Beef Shawarma
Mushabak Halabi (Middle Eastern Churros)
Viral Smashed Burger Tacos (Middle Eastern Style)
Middle Eastern Kidney Bean Beef Stew
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Pomegranate Lamb and Saffron Rice
Ingredients
For the Rice
- 1½ cups sela basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 1 dry bay leaf
- 6 cardamom pods
- ¼ teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups hot water
For Lamb
- 2 racks lamb 1 pound each
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 7 large garlic cloves minced (or 8 large garlic cloves to taste)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon 7 spices
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon Aleppo powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
For the Lamb
- To a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, pomegranate molasses, and seasonings.
- Brush it all over the lamb.
- Cover and place in the oven.
- Bake at 375℉ for 50-65 minutes or less, depending on desired doneness.
For the Rice
- Wash the rice a few times in cold water until the water runs clear.
- Let it soak in room temperature water for 20 minutes before draining.
- Add the saffron to a mortar and pestle and grind until powdery.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of hot water. Let this sit.
- In a saucepan, combine olive oil and butter. Over medium heat, add the chopped onion, the cardamom pods, and the bay leaf. Then, sauté until the onion is translucent. Keep stirring for 8-10 minutes.
- Add the drained rice and the seasonings.
- Incorporate the bloomed saffron and mix well.
- Add the hot water and broth and mix them.
- Let it come to a rolling boil on high heat for 5 minutes before covering and reducing the heat to low for 20 minutes.
- Serve with the lamb and enjoy.
Notes
- Easy Baking: For the meal to cook well and for a better shape, use a Bundt pan.
- Easy Bend: Add 1 inch cut going down the meat so its easier to bend.
- Marinate Mindfully: You could marinate your lamb overnight or a few hours ahead to enhance the flavor.
- Special Additions: You could toast some nuts such as almonds or pine nuts for a delightful crunch and add them on top. Moreover, you could add fresh parsley or mint and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses.
- Condiments for Company: If you do not like your meal dry, consider making side condiments such as tahini sauce, tzatziki sauce, or garlic yogurt.
- Extra Flavor: To enhance the flavor of your rice, you could toast the saffron threads gently in a dry pan for a minute or two before steeping them in warm water. This toasting process will release the saffron’s aroma and enhance the overall taste of your rice dish.
