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Yellow saffron rice, garnished with vibrant red saffron threads and a bay leaf, is set within fancy, traditional copper plates with a salad on the side.

Saffron Rice

Fatimah
This Saffron Rice is a dish of unique character complexity with its contrasting flavors and beautiful aromas. It is a team player but also thrives solo!
5 from 1 Rating
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Middle Eastern, Persian
Servings 4 people
Calories 141 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups Sela basmati rice
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1 Yellow onion medium
  • 1 Dry bay leaf finely diced
  • 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

Instructions
 

  • 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.
  • Add 3 tablespoons of hot water and mix well. Let this sit.
  • To a pot, add the olive oil and butter.
  • On medium heat, add the chopped onion, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Saute until the onion is translucent for about 8-10 minutes and stir often.
  • Add the drained rice and the seasonings.
  • Add in the bloomed saffron and mix well.
  • Add the hot water and broth and mix.
  • Let it come to a rolling boil on high heat for 5 minutes,
  • Cover and reduce the heat to low for 20 minutes.

Notes

  • Use high quality saffron threads and use the blooming technique.
  • Let the rice soak well before cooking. When the rice is cooked, stir it very gently using a fork to separate the rice grains and prevent clumping
  • Maintain medium heat while sautéing your onions and spices to allow a steady development of flavors without burning any ingredients.
  • Use accurate measurements to get well-cooked rice.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 141kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 803mgPotassium: 103mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 178IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
Keyword middle eastern rice, saffron, saffron rice
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