Something so pretty has to be complicated right? This simple saffron rice is just that, simple. It’s fun to have a recipe in your box that is delicious, beautiful, and easy to prepare.
Want to impress your family and friends? Make saffron rice.
Saffron rice is one of those dishes that just feels fancy. It’s perfect paired with a roasted chicken, steak, or seared chicken breast, and a vegetable. Even from scratch hummus and fresh vegetables make for a great pairing. Believe it or not, it’s one of those sides that I make when I want dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
One of the things that makes this rice fancy is the price of saffron if you don’t know where to shop. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, but if you know where to shop, cough…cough, Trader Joe’s, then you will find it for a steal. I was jumping up and down inside when I found it there a few years ago. This introvert needs some level of composure when shopping… Their saffron is a good quality one, even if it isn’t the absolute best verity on the market. It’s a nice compromise. If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you, you might want to give this brand a try.
A couple of years ago, my book club buddy, who is also loves the liturgical calendar invited me over for Epiphany. We did a mash of traditions, she made a simple saffron rice in honor of the wise men coming from the “East” and I made a Rosca de Reyes, reflecting my years in Mexico.
Ever since then I’ve been hooked. It’s one of my favorite ways to make rice. I hope it will become one of yours as well.
Why you need to make this simple saffron rice:
- Easy to make
- Perfect side for most proteins
- Feels so fancy
- Tastes delicious!
This is not a traditional Persian saffron rice, even if the flavors are a nod to Persian cuisine. Persian rice with tahdig is an example of a traditional rice that is delicious! It has a crispy bottom layer that is worth the effort, but isn’t my everyday kind of rice like this simple saffron rice is. Both are a must for your recipe collection.
Other rice recipes to try:
Simple Saffron Rice
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 4-6 servings
Something so pretty has to be complicated right? This simple saffron rice is just that, simple. It's fun to have a recipe in your box that is delicious, beautiful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups bastmati rice (or other long grain rice)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8-12 threds of saffron
- chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the rice over medium-high heat with the butter and olive oil. Stir frequently until the rice is lightly browned.
- Pour in the chicken broth and salt, stir, and allow to come to a boil.
- While the rice is cooking, crush the saffron with a mortar and pestle. Put the saffron in a small heat resistant cup. Cover the the 1/4 cup of hot water.
- Once the liquid has almost evaporated, poke several holes in the rice. Pour in the saffron and water.
- Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cover and allow to steam for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, fluff, and serve with at the protein and vegetable of your choice.
Courses Side
Cuisine Persian
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