Saffron rice is a fragrant and delicious side dish of basmati rice flavored with savory broth, turmeric, and saffron threads. It’s a quick, one-pot, no-mess vibrant base for any meal. Known for its bright yellow color and subtle saffron flavor, it’s a delicious addition to your next meal that’s ready in less than 20 minutes.
Saffron has a rich history and culture. It’s been cultivated for over 3,500 years and was prized by the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians for its medicinal properties and used as a dye for fabrics. Saffron is now featured in a lot of Middle Eastern dishes for its bold flavors and color. We use saffron here, as well as saffron’s peppery cousin, turmeric, to impart a bold yellow color to basmati rice.
Fun fact: saffron is well known as the world’s most expensive spice. It takes over 70,000 saffron crocus flowers to produce just one pound of saffron threads! The flowers are time-consuming to harvest with a short growing season and are extremely delicate. I love the spice for its slightly earthy flavor and almost floral bitterness. It’s so unique and is perfectly suited to accompany the turmeric and broth used in this rice dish.
Healthy Spices
- Turmeric: This vibrant golden root is known for its color and earthy flavor. Turmeric is a powerhouse of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It contains curcumin, a bioactive compound with potential health benefits, including improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced cognitive function.
- Saffron: Often referred to as the “golden spice,” saffron not only imparts a rich color and distinct flavor to dishes but also offers several health-promoting properties. It is rich in antioxidants, including crocin, crocetin, and safranal, which may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Saffron is also believed to have mood-enhancing properties and has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its antidepressant effects. Sign me up!
Saffron Rice Ingredients
- Basmati Rice: The long, slender grains of basmati rice are perfect for saffron rice. It is great for absorbing the flavors and aromas used in this recipe, but feel free to swap them out for whatever you have on hand.
- Saffron Threads: This spice adds a distinctive flavor, aroma, and vibrant yellow color to the rice.
- Turmeric: Widely used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, turmeric not only enhances the color of the rice but also contributes to its earthy flavor and health benefits.
- Aromatics: I used dried spices in this recipe because I am lazy, but fresh onion and garlic would be fabulous and contribute to the flavor.
- Broth: I used store-bought but extra points if you make your own! Use water if you don’t have broth on hand.
Saffron Rice Pairings- What do you eat it with?
- Curries: Yellow saffron rice makes the perfect accompaniment to flavorful curries such as chicken tikka masala, vegetable korma, or lamb curry. Its vibrant color and fragrant aroma complement the spices and flavors of the curry beautifully.
- Rice Pilaf: Transform saffron rice into a tasty rice pilaf! Add toasted nuts, dried fruits, and fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
- Stuffed Peppers or Tomatoes: Use yellow saffron rice as a filling for stuffed peppers or tomatoes. The vibrant color and aromatic flavor of the rice elevate this classic dish, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and dinner parties.
- Rice Salad: Chill leftover saffron rice and toss it with diced vegetables, herbs, and a citrus vinaigrette to create a refreshing rice salad. Enjoy it as a light and flavorful lunch or side dish.
- Kabobs: Serve it alongside grilled veggie kabobs and chimichurri for a well-rounded meal.
What’s not to love? This golden grain is kid-friendly, delicious, and comes together in less than 20 minutes with 8 ingredients or less. Throw it in the rice cooker and call it a day! Whether enjoyed as a side dish or the main event, saffron rice is bright, peppery, and earthy. I’m sure you will love it!
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave. If it’s a little dry, add some extra vegan butter or broth to rehydrate.
Try these related recipes:
Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce
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Saffron Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tbsp vegan butter
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Using a mortar and pestle, grind up the saffron threads into a fine powder.
- Rinse the rice under water until the water runs clear.
- Add the rice and broth to a rice cooker or stockpot. Mix in the butter, turmeric, saffron, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder, and mix well.
- Cook according to rice cooker directions, or cover and simmer for about 15 minutes on the stovetop until all moisture is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm. Keep Leftovers in the fridge in a covered container for 3-5 days.