Saffron Rice

Elevate your mealtime with the fragrant and vibrant Saffron Rice—an aromatic dish that combines the nutty essence of basmati rice with the luxurious flavor of saffron. This recipe infuses the golden threads of saffron with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaf, creating a subtly spiced dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ghee or butter lends a rich, buttery depth, while sautéed onions add a touch of sweetness. Perfectly fluffy and infused with fragrant saffron water, this one-pot creation pairs beautifully with curries, roasted meats, or Mediterranean spreads. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, Saffron Rice is a crowd-pleasing side dish that brings elegance and a hint of exotic flair to any table.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3.5 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoons Saffron threads
• 3 tablespoons Hot water
• 2 tablespoons Ghee or butter
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
• 4 Cloves
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 1 Bay leaf

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky during cooking.

Step 2

In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 3 tablespoons of hot water and set aside to bloom.

Step 3

In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the ghee or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf to the pot, and stir for another minute to release their aromas.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed and drained rice, making sure each grain is coated in the ghee and spices. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 6

Add 3.5 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 7

Pour in the saffron and its soaking water over the rice and gently mix to incorporate.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 9

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the rice grains to firm up and absorb any remaining steam.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the whole spices before serving.

Step 11

Serve the saffron rice warm as a delightful side dish to your favorite curries, stews, or grilled meats.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(967.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	593.1

Total Fat 25.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 64.5mg	0%
Sodium 2400.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.9g	0%
Total Sugars 1.6g
Protein 11.9g	0%

Vitamin D 12.0IU	0%
Calcium 141.0mg	0%
Iron 4.9mg	0%
Potassium 181.1mg	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: 38.8%

Protein: 7.9%

Carbs: 53.3%