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easy saffron rice recipe.

Saffron Rice

Rika
This saffron rice is super easy to make. The rice is so tender, fluffy, aromatic, and delicious. You can serve this yellow rice as a side dish that goes with almost everything.
4.94 from 30 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Middle Eastern, South East Asian, world
Servings 6
Calories 168 kcal

Ingredients
 

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, soak the rice in cold water for 20 minutes. Rinse the rice with cold water until the water is clear. Drain it well. Set it aside.
  • Finely crush the saffron threads with a pestle. In a bowl, pour ¼ cup of hot water then soak the saffron for 10 minutes. Set it aside.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter and heat oil over medium heat. Cook the onion until soft. Add the garlic and stir just until fragrant. Add the rice and stir for 2 minutes. Add cumin, turmeric, salt, sugar, and saffron (including the liquid). Give it a stir for a few seconds.
  • Add broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, quickly scrape off the bottom of the pan. Continue boiling until you see the little holes with steam coming through the rice and the water volume has reduced to almost the rice level. 
  • Cover the pot and cook for 10 minutes on low heat. Remove the pan from the heat and let the rice sit for 10 minutes before opening the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork.

Notes

How to Cook Saffron Rice in an Instant Pot
  • Follow the same preparation steps as mentioned above for cooking the rice on the stove.
  • Use a 1:1 liquid to rice ratio. (1 cup of rice with 1 cup of broth)
  • Cook the rice using the Manual setting at high pressure for 3 minutes .
  • Once the cooking cycle is completed, wait for 10 minutes before opening the lid. 
Storing: 
  • Let the hot saffron rice cools down to room temperature before refrigerating.
  • Transfer the leftover to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last 3-4 days in the fridge or 3-4 months in the freezer.
Reheating: 
  • Place a single serving of saffron rice in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Add about a tablespoon of water per cup of rice.
  • Microwave for 1 minute or longer until warm through.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 229mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 61IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
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