Mediterranean Diet Saffron Rice
Elevate your dinner table with the vibrant and fragrant Mediterranean Diet Saffron Rice, an elegant yet simple dish bursting with flavor. This recipe combines tender basmati rice with the luxurious essence of saffron, infused in a savory broth and lightly toasted with garlic and onions for added richness. Bright hints of fresh parsley, zesty lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil enhance the Mediterranean-inspired flavors, making it a perfect side dish for grilled seafood, roasted vegetables, or your favorite protein. Prepared in under an hour, this dish is an excellent choice for health-conscious cooks seeking a light, balanced recipe that is both wholesome and indulgent. With keywords like "Mediterranean diet," "saffron rice," and "healthy side dish," this recipe is SEO-optimized to inspire your next flavorful creation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Basmati rice
- 3 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoon Saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 whole Lemon, zest and juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Set aside to drain.
In a small bowl, combine the saffron threads with 2 tablespoons of warm water and let soak. This will release the color and flavor of the saffron.
In a medium pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Stir in the drained basmati rice, ensuring each grain is coated in the oil and onion mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the saffron water along with the threads. Stir well and season with salt and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-17 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This helps the rice to finish cooking and become fluffy.
Add the chopped fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the rice. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to combine all the ingredients, being careful not to mash the grains.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice as desired. Serve warm, and enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Saffron Rice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
742 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.5 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4985 mg | 217% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 101.4 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.2 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g | ||
| Protein | 19.5 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 255 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 9.5 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1062 mg | 23% | |
*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.
