Vegan Saffron Rice

Elevate your dinner table with this fragrant and vibrant Vegan Saffron Rice, a stunning plant-based side dish bursting with flavor and color. This recipe combines aromatic basmati rice with the luxurious essence of saffron, gently steeped in vegetable broth for a savory depth. Sautéed onions and garlic create a flavorful base, while a touch of olive oil ensures each grain is perfectly coated. The result is a fluffy, golden-hued rice that’s simple yet elegant. Ready in just 35 minutes, this vegan saffron rice pairs beautifully with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern meals, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or crafting a weeknight masterpiece, this dish will impress every time!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Basmati rice
• 3 cups Vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoons Saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove extra starch and keep the rice fluffy.

Step 2

In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm vegetable broth and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the rice with the oil and the aromatics.

Step 6

Pour in the remaining vegetable broth, add the saffron and its soaking liquid, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1151.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	937.2

Total Fat 35.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2868.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 132.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.8g	0%
Total Sugars 15.3g
Protein 24.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 170.7mg	0%
Iron 8.7mg	0%
Potassium 1571.2mg	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: 33.7%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 55.8%