Saffron Basmati Rice

Elevate your side dishes with the luxurious aroma and vibrant hue of Saffron Basmati Rice, a fragrant and flavorful recipe that's as beautiful as it is delicious. This aromatic dish combines the long, fluffy grains of basmati rice with the delicate essence of saffron, a prized spice that blooms into a bold yellow-orange hue when steeped in warm water. Enriched with butter or ghee for a subtle richness, this rice is gently steamed to perfection, making it an ideal accompaniment to curries, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. Bonus touches like a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or toasted slivered almonds add an optional garnish for a touch of elegance and crunch. Ready to serve in just 30 minutes, this spectacular saffron-infused basmati rice is sure to impress your guests while adding a refined flair to your dining table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or celebratory feasts alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1.5 cups Water
• 0.25 teaspoons Saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons Warm water
• 1 tablespoon Butter or ghee
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Optional garnish: chopped cilantro or toasted slivered almonds

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the saffron threads with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Allow the saffron to bloom for 5–10 minutes. The water will turn a vibrant yellow-orange color.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the rinsed and drained rice, stirring gently to coat the grains in the fat, about 1–2 minutes.

Step 4

Add the 1.5 cups of water, the saffron water (including the threads), and salt into the saucepan. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. 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 6

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but leave the lid on. Allow the rice to sit undisturbed for an additional 5 minutes to allow any remaining steam to fully cook the grains.

Step 7

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, being careful not to mash the grains. If desired, garnish with chopped cilantro or toasted slivered almonds before serving.

Step 8

Serve warm as a side dish or complement to your main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(610.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	344.9

Total Fat 12.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 30.5mg	0%
Sodium 1195.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 50.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.9g	0%
Total Sugars 0.1g
Protein 7.3g	0%

Vitamin D 8.5IU	0%
Calcium 46.6mg	0%
Iron 3.1mg	0%
Potassium 87.5mg	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: 32.3%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 59.1%