Quick and Easy Saffron Rice

Brighten up your mealtime with this Quick and Easy Saffron Rice recipe, a vibrant and aromatic side dish that’s perfect for elevating any meal in under 30 minutes. Made with fragrant basmati rice, infused with the luxurious flavor of saffron, and enhanced by a touch of butter or olive oil, this dish offers restaurant-quality elegance without the fuss. A pinch of optional turmeric adds an extra golden hue, while fresh parsley makes for a stunning garnish. With minimal prep time and simple one-pot cooking techniques, this gluten-free recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian mains. Say goodbye to plain rice and add a burst of color and flavor to your table tonight!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1 large pinch Saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons Hot water
• 1 tablespoon Butter or olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground turmeric (optional, for extra color)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the saffron threads with 2 tablespoons of hot water. Let it steep for 5 minutes to extract its color and flavor.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the grains. This step enhances the rice’s nutty flavor.

Step 5

Pour in the 2 cups of water, the saffron mixture, salt, and turmeric (if using). Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 7

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but leave the lid on. Let the rice sit undisturbed for an additional 5 minutes to finish steaming.

Step 8

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(728.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	346.6

Total Fat 12.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 31mg	0%
Sodium 1199.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 51.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.0g	0%
Total Sugars 0.1g
Protein 7.3g	0%

Vitamin D 7IU	0%
Calcium 59.0mg	0%
Iron 3.4mg	0%
Potassium 89.2mg	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: 32.2%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 59.3%