Judy's Saffron Rice

Elevate your meals with Judy’s Saffron Rice, a vibrant and aromatic dish that combines golden-infused saffron with basmati rice for a luxurious side that's as flavorful as it is beautiful. This recipe layers warm spices like turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon with sautéed onions and garlic, creating a symphony of fragrant flavors that pair perfectly with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Indian-inspired dishes. Fluffy rice is delicately drenched in saffron water for its signature yellow hue and subtle floral notes, while optional garnishes like toasted slivered almonds and fresh parsley lend a delightful crunch and pop of freshness. With just 15 minutes of prep and a short simmer, this quick and easy saffron rice recipe serves as a stunning addition to your dinner table or an impressive crowd-pleaser for special occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3.5 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoons Saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons Hot water
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 cups Toasted slivered almonds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for fluffy grains. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in the 2 tablespoons of hot water. Let it steep while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon to the onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 5

Add the drained rice to the saucepan and stir gently to coat the grains in the spice mixture, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the 3.5 cups of water, followed by the salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 8

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to finish steaming.

Step 9

Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and drizzle the saffron water evenly over the rice. Gently stir to distribute the saffron's color and flavor.

Step 10

Transfer the rice to a serving dish and top with toasted slivered almonds and chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy as a side or main dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1468.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1039.2

Total Fat 54.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 2403.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 121.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.6g	0%
Total Sugars 6.0g
Protein 22.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 236.4mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 612.3mg	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: 45.7%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 45.8%