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    Home » Recipes » Rice & Grains

    Saffron Rice

    Published: Jul 10, 2018 · Modified: Feb 6, 2020 by Neriz · This post contains some affiliate links.

    • 16
    Jump to Recipe

    Here’s another one to add to your array of quick side dishes! Saffron Rice is easy to prepare, delightfully yummy and ready in less than thirty minutes!

    An overhead shot of Saffron Basmati Rice in a serving bowl, garnished with parsley.

    (*This post contains some affiliate links)

    Don’t get me wrong, I love plain white rice.  However, when it comes to grilled or stir-fried meat, this is hands-down my favorite rice side dish.

    Full disclosure: My husband thinks that I use way too much saffron in all my saffron recipes, so feel free to adjust the amount as per your preference. 

    Do not worry about which type of saffron to use. 

    You can use either saffron threads or saffron powder for this flavored rice recipe.

    HOW TO MAKE SAFFRON RICE

    First part of a collage of images showing the step by step process on how to make saffron rice.

    WHAT TYPE OF RICE IS BEST SUITED FOR THIS SAFFRON RICE RECIPE?

    I’ve tried both jasmine and basmati rice numerous times for this recipe and I have to say, I’m on the basmati team for this one. 🙂

    I feel basmati rice stays firmer and fluffier, and easier to handle. 

    I rarely end up with mushy rice when I use basmati for this saffron recipe.

    Second part of a collage of images showing the step by step process on how to make Saffron Basmati Rice.

    HOW TO USE SAFFRON FOR THIS SAFFRON BASMATI RICE

    Regardless if you are using saffron threads or saffron powder, you have to mix them with some of the heated stock first. 

    This helps in releasing more of their flavor, than just adding them directly into the pan.

    When I am using saffron threads, I use a mortar and pestle to grind them first. Then, I mix them with the hot stock.

    If you want to see threads of saffron in your rice, do not grind all of them.  Leave some threads intact. 

    A closer shot of Saffron Rice, highlighting the fluffy texture of the rice; garnished with parlsley.

    TIPS ON PREPARING THIS SAFFRON RICE RECIPE –

    • Use white onions if you can. They will completely take on the color of the saffron.
    • Chop the onions as fine as you can. They should disappear in the rice (like when you make risotto).
    • Vegetable stock is ok, but I personally feel that extra fat in the stock makes the rice tastier. If you want less fat, go for chicken stock instead – which is what I normally use.

    A closer, overhead shot of Saffron Rice on a plate, ready for serving. Garnished with fresh parsley.

    WHAT TO SERVE WITH SAFFRON BASMATI RICE?

    My preference?  Any dish that does not have a TON of sauce. 

    Having said that, I have seen some friends who love to pour the sauce of their main dish on a serving of saffron rice.

    I just feel like this will completely overpower the taste of saffron in the rice – it being a very subtle flavor and all.

    The easiest way to find out?  Try pairing it with your favorite mains and decide for yourself!

    FOR OTHER SAFFRON RECIPES, CHECK OUT MY OTHER POSTS –

    • Swedish Saffron Cake
    • Swedish Saffron Buns (Lussekatter)

    OF IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR MORE SIDE DISH RECIPES, YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE –

    • Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate)
    • Swedish Potatoes with Dill Cream Sauce
    • Spanish Marinated Eggplant & Peppers
    • Spanish Spinach with Chickpeas

    Lastly, this post was initially published on 22ndof Feb 2017.  But since I’m adding videos to my old posts, I decided to change the images as well.  No change done in the recipe though. 🙂

    📖 Recipe

    A closer shot of a serving of Saffron Rice in a bowl.

    Saffron Rice

    Here’s another one to add to your collection of quick side dishes! Saffron Rice is easy to prepare, delightfully yummy and ready in less than thirty minutes! (VIDEO ABOVE)
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Asian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 3
    Calories: 235kcal
    Author: Neriz

    Ingredients

    • 1 and 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 small white onion, finely sliced
    • 1 cup basmati rice
    • 1 pinch saffron threads
    • 1 and 3/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock
    • salt to season
    • 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional)

    Instructions

    • Heat up the stock in a pan and bring to a simmer.
    • Use a pestle and mortar to grind the saffron threads into a fine powder. Get a tablespoon of the simmering stock and put in a cup with the powdered saffron.  Set aside.
    • Rinse the basmati rice as per package instructions.
    • Heat up a pan and pour the olive oil. Add the finely sliced onions and cook until soft.
    • Add the rinsed basmati rice and stir to combine. Pour the stock and the saffron that has been set aside.
    • Bring to a boil. Season with salt and gently mix the rice with a fork (I find that this makes them fluffier when cooked).
    • Lower the heat to low and wait for all the water to be absorbed and the rice to be cooked. Mine normally takes around 15 minutes.
    • Turn off the heat and use a fork gently (again) to separate the rice.
    • Leave covered for 2 to 3 minutes
    • Serve with chopped parsley, if desired.

    Notes

    • Try to use white/yellow onions if you can, and chop them as fine as you can. Light colored ones disappear more in the rice.
    • You can use vegetable stock, if you prefer.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 235kcal
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @foodandjourneys or tag #foodandjourneys!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dennis

      June 23, 2018 at 9:44 am

      Hi I made the rice tonight and mine required an extre 5 minutes of cooking, half of that with the lid on, it tasted great with my Salmon curry

      Reply
      • Neriz

        July 10, 2018 at 12:12 pm

        Thanks for the feedback Dennis! Yeah, admittedly, this happens to me too. Everytime I buy a new brand of basmati rice, I have to adjust my cooking time.

        Glad that it tasted good with your salmon curry! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Sumit Jaitely

      July 27, 2018 at 4:29 pm

      5 stars
      This looks delicious & tasty. Plz visit my blog post to read Eggless Excess Chocolate Ruffle Recipe. Here is the link of this yummy dessert https://theamazingguide.com/2018/07/27/yummy-eggless-excess-chocolate-ruffle-dessert-recipe/ Keep share more inspiring post. I will soon visit again too look something new on your blog. Thanks.

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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