Description
Learn to make a vibrant and aromatic Saffron Rice Pilaf, a perfect side dish that brings color and elegance to any meal. This recipe uses basmati rice infused with the golden hue and delicate flavor of saffron threads.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups basmati rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Gently warm 1/4 cup of the broth and soak the saffron threads in it for at least 10 minutes.
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, until the grains are lightly coated with butter and slightly toasted.
- Pour in the remaining broth, the saffron-infused liquid, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can toast the saffron threads lightly before soaking them.
- Feel free to add a bay leaf or a few cardamom pods to the cooking liquid for extra aroma.
- If you don’t have broth, water can be used, but broth adds more depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg