Saffron Rice Pilaf

Elevate your side dish game with this fragrant and vibrant Saffron Rice Pilaf, a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Made with aromatic basmati rice and infused with the golden hue and floral notes of saffron, this dish is gently flavored with a warm blend of onion, garlic, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. A medley of textures and flavors comes alive with optional additions like toasted slivered almonds and sweet dried currants or raisins, while fresh parsley provides a vibrant finishing touch. Perfect as an elegant accompaniment to roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or hearty curries, this easy-to-make pilaf combines the earthy richness of saffron with a beautifully light and fluffy texture. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoons saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup slivered almonds (optional, toasted)
• 0.25 cup dried currants or raisins (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of warm water and the saffron threads. Allow the saffron to bloom for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, coating the grains in the butter and oil mixture.

Step 6

Add the saffron water, chicken or vegetable broth, water, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and salt to the saucepan. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-17 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 10

If desired, fold in the toasted slivered almonds and dried currants or raisins for added texture and flavor.

Step 11

Transfer the saffron rice pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1191.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1006.0

Total Fat 53.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 3250.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 118.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.3g	0%
Total Sugars 26.4g
Protein 20.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 230.5mg	0%
Iron 7.0mg	0%
Potassium 740.2mg	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: 46.6%

Protein: 7.9%

Carbs: 45.5%