Dairy-Free Saffron Rice

Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and fragrant Dairy-Free Saffron Rice! This recipe combines the warm floral notes of saffron soaked in hot water with perfectly fluffy basmati rice, all cooked in flavorful vegetable broth. Enhanced with sautéed onions, minced garlic, a hint of cinnamon, and a bay leaf, this dish offers layers of aromatic complexity that delight the senses. A touch of lemon zest adds brightness, while fresh parsley lends a pop of color and freshness. Perfectly dairy-free and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this stunning golden-hued rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains or stands alone as a satisfying vegan dish. Ideal for weeknight dinners or festive occasions, it's a true kitchen crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups white basmati rice
• 0.5 teaspoons saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water for at least 10 minutes.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, ensuring each grain is coated with oil, and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 6

Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and stir in the saffron with its soaking liquid, salt, pepper, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 8

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.

Step 9

Fluff the rice with a fork, remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf, then stir in the lemon zest.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1197.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1671.2

Total Fat 36.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4065.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 291.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.7g	0%
Total Sugars 15.7g
Protein 35.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 270.2mg	0%
Iron 7.1mg	0%
Potassium 1898.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.0%

Protein: 8.8%

Carbs: 71.2%