Fluffy Saffron Rice (An Easy & Elegant Side Dish!)
A simple and elegant recipe for a classic Saffron Rice pilaf. This one-pot side dish features long-grain basmati rice that is toasted with sautéed onions, butter, and fragrant saffron threads. The rice is then simmered in a mixture of water and chicken broth until tender and all the liquid is absorbed. The finished dish is fluffed with a fork and tossed with fresh cilantro and sliced scallions for a bright, aromatic finish.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 diced onion
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 sliced scallions
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring, until softened.
- Stir in the basmati rice, kosher salt, and saffron threads. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until the rice is well-coated and toasted.
- Add the water and the chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Uncover the pot, fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the chopped cilantro and sliced scallions.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- This is a classic and versatile side dish that pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, or curries.
- The cooking method is a pilaf, where the rice is toasted in fat with aromatics before the liquid is added. This helps to keep the grains separate and adds a nutty flavor.
- For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Letting the rice sit, covered and off the heat, for 5 minutes after cooking is a key step that allows it to steam and become perfectly fluffy.
Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/fluffy-saffron-rice/