Once you experience the deliciousness of this saffron rice, it might just become a staple in your meal rotation. The heavenly aroma and unique flavor of saffron elevate this simple grain to a whole new level.
Fluffy and fragrant, this saffron rice (also known as yellow rice) recipe is quick and easy, coming together in under 30 minutes.Saffron rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish, commonly found in Persian and Mediterranean cuisine.
It brings a vibrant pop of color and delicate floral aromas, transforming your weeknight dinner into something special and elevated.
Saffron rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish made by cooking white rice in a saffron-infused broth. The result is golden-colored rice with subtle floral and earthy notes.
What is Saffron Rice?
Saffron rice is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish, typically prepared by cooking white rice with saffron threads. The saffron gives the rice its signature golden-yellow color and imparts subtle floral and earthy notes.
Saffron rice is a staple in many Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cuisines, often served alongside savory dishes such as grilled meats, stews, or vegetable curries.
The dish is popular for both its visual appeal and unique flavor, making it a popular accompaniment for festive meals or special occasions.
It’s commonly made with basmati or long-grain rice and may include additional seasonings like cinnamon, cardamom, or bay leaves for added depth.
It’s a versatile dish that can complement various cuisines, from Persian and Indian to Mediterranean and Moroccan.
Saffron Rice Ingredients
Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is known for its long grains and aromatic quality, making it ideal for fluffy rice dishes. For the best results, you can use premium quality supermarket basmati rice.
Saffron: Saffron, derived from the crocus flower, is a prized spice that adds a unique flavor and vibrant color to dishes. It’s usually found in dried strands or threads, which are the flower’s stigma and styles.
Although saffron is the most expensive spice in the world by weight, you don’t need to worry. High-quality saffron is highly potent, so only a small amount is needed to impart its rich flavor and aroma.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil, ghee/or vegetable oil is used to sauté the onion, and rice before adding the liquid. The cooking fat enhances the flavor and helps to keep the rice grains separated after cooking.
Broth: For the cooking liquid, you can choose from vegetable broth, chicken stock, or water. Using broth adds a richer depth of flavor to the rice.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning, kosher salt is used to enhance the flavor of the rice, especially if you’re cooking with water or low-sodium broth.
Whole Spices/Garam Masala: Add aroma and taste to this simple dish
Tips For Making Saffron Rice
How to Bloom Saffron: Take 1/2 teaspoon of saffron about 12 strands, soak and stir them in 2 -3 tbsp of warm water or milk to draw the color and complex flavor from the spice far more effectively.
Rinse the basmati rice: Begin by washing the rice under cold water, repeating the process until the water is clear. This step removes excess surface starch, ensuring the rice cooks up light and fluffy with separate grains later on. Skipping this step can lead to sticky, clumped rice.
Use the right amount of liquid:For perfectly cooked basmati rice, the ideal water-to-rice ratio is 1.5 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. This ensures the rice is neither too dry nor too mushy, resulting in fluffy and well-cooked grains
Use Quality Saffron: High-quality saffron is potent, so a small pinch is enough to flavor and color the dish. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.
Toast the rice before adding the liquid: For extra separation of grains, lightly toast the rice in oil for a few minutes. As it cooks, the grains will turn opaque, setting the stage for a fluffier texture in the final dish.
Toast the rice before adding the liquid: For extra separation of grains, lightly toast the rice in oil for a few minutes. As it cooks, the grains will turn opaque, setting the stage for a fluffier texture in the final dish.
Cook with Broth: For added depth, cook the rice in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. This enhances the flavor of the rice, making it richer and more savory.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time and fluff the rice with a fork once it’s done. Overcooking can lead to mushy rice, which detracts from the ideal texture of saffron rice.
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking: For the fluffiest grains, keep the lid on and allow the rice to rest undisturbed for a full 10 minutes. This step ensures the rice finishes steaming and achieves the perfect texture.
How to Cook Saffron Rice
Rinse the Rice:
Start by rinsing 1 cup of basmati rice under cold water. Use a fine mesh strainer and gently swirl the rice with your hand. Repeat this process 3–4 times, or until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky.
Soak/Bloom the Saffron:
In a small bowl, soak a pinch (about 10-15 strands) of saffron in 2 tablespoons of warm water or broth. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help release the saffron’s color and flavor.
Toast the Rice:
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of ghee, butter, or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add whole spices and chopped onion, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the onion starts to change color. Then, add the rinsed rice and toast it for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the grains turn opaque.
Add the Liquid:
Once the rice is toasted, pour in 3.5 cups of broth (vegetable or chicken) or water. Add the soaked saffron along with its liquid and stir gently to combine. Season with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt (adjust to taste).
Bring to a Boil:
Increase the heat to high and bring the liquid to a boil, uncovered. As soon as it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Let it Rest:
After cooking, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 8-10 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and ensures the grains are light and fluffy.
Fluff the Rice:
After the rest period, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Your saffron rice is now ready to serve!
What to Serve with Saffron Rice
It pairs well with dishes like lamb or beef Chapli kabab, Kofta Kebabs,Chicken tikka, grilled or roasted chicken, Salmon Fillet or even a vegetable curry, roasted vegetables like roasted potatoes or cauliflower. The saffron adds both color and a rich aroma, enhancing the overall presentation and taste of any meal.
This dish is versatile enough to complement almost anything you would typically serve with plain white rice, but the saffron elevates the flavors and appearance, making it special for both everyday meals and festive occasions.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Rice
From the Refrigerator:
Stovetop-Transfer the rice to a saucepan. Add a splash of water or broth to help steam the rice. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Microwave– Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of water or broth, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals, until heated through.
From the Freezer:
Microwave– Place the frozen rice in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water or broth. Cover the dish and microwave on medium power in 2-minute intervals, stirring between intervals, until heated through.
Thaw First– For best results, thaw the rice overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you’re short on time, you can reheat it directly from frozen, but it will take longer.
Stovetop– Place the frozen rice in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth. Cover and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
How to serve Basmati Saffron rice (yellow rice)
To serve saffron rice, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. Transfer it to a serving dish, and for an added touch, garnish with a few saffron strands or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Serve it alongside your main dishes such as grilled meats, curries, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, pair the rice with cooling yogurt sauces or fresh salads to complement the flavors.
More healthy and delicious recipes to try
Baked ginger -lemon flavored chicken wings
Aloo Bhujia (Spicy Potato Curry)
Saffron Rice(Yellow basmati rice Recipe)
Description
Saffron rice is a fragrant, vibrant dish made with basmati rice infused with the rich, floral flavor of saffron. Its bright golden color and subtle, aromatic taste make it the perfect side to complement a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to curries. Simple yet luxurious, it elevates any meal with its unique flavor and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Rinse the Rice:
Wash 1 cup of basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy grains.
-
Soak/ bloom the saffron
 Soak a pinch of saffron strands in 2-3 tablespoons of warm water or broth for 10 minutes to release its color and flavor.
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roast the Rice:
In a pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of ghee, butter, or olive oil over medium heat. Add whole spices and chopped onion, stir, and sauté until the onion changes color. Then, add the rinsed rice and stir for 2-3 minutes until the grains turn slightly opaque.
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Add Liquid:
 Pour in 3.5 cups of broth (or water if you prefer), the saffron mixture, and 1/2 tsp of kosher salt. Stir gently to combine.
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Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
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Rest the Rice:
Once cooked, remove the pan from heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice rest undisturbed for 7-8 minutes to finish steaming.
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Fluff and Serve:
After resting, fluff the rice with a fork and serve. Enjoy your saffron rice!
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 312kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Cholesterol 17mg6%
- Sodium 175mg8%
- Potassium 197mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 7g15%
- Vitamin A 4 IU
- Vitamin C 1 mg
- Calcium 21 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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