Dairy-Free Saffron Rice
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and flavorful Dairy-Free Saffron Rice! Infused with the aromatic richness of saffron threads soaked in warm water, this recipe features tender white basmati rice simmered in savory vegetable broth alongside fragrant spices like cinnamon and bay leaf. A hint of lemon zest brightens the dish, while creamy extra virgin olive oil keeps it entirely dairy-free. Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of sautéed onions and garlic, this recipe is quick and easy, ready in just 35 minutes, and serves four. The golden hue and delicate flavors make it a stunning addition to any meal, whether paired with grilled vegetables, hearty legumes, or your favorite protein. This gluten-free and vegan-friendly saffron rice is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups white basmati rice
- 0.5 teaspoons saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water for at least 10 minutes.
Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, ensuring each grain is coated with oil, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and stir in the saffron with its soaking liquid, salt, pepper, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork, remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf, then stir in the lemon zest.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1671 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.4 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4065 mg | 177% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 291.8 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.7 g | 63% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.7 g | ||
| Protein | 35.9 g | 72% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 270 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 7.1 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1898 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
