Saffron Basmati Rice
Elevate your side dishes with the luxurious aroma and vibrant hue of Saffron Basmati Rice, a fragrant and flavorful recipe that's as beautiful as it is delicious. This aromatic dish combines the long, fluffy grains of basmati rice with the delicate essence of saffron, a prized spice that blooms into a bold yellow-orange hue when steeped in warm water. Enriched with butter or ghee for a subtle richness, this rice is gently steamed to perfection, making it an ideal accompaniment to curries, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. Bonus touches like a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or toasted slivered almonds add an optional garnish for a touch of elegance and crunch. Ready to serve in just 30 minutes, this spectacular saffron-infused basmati rice is sure to impress your guests while adding a refined flair to your dining table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or celebratory feasts alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1.5 cups Water
- 0.25 teaspoons Saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons Warm water
- 1 tablespoon Butter or ghee
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Optional garnish: chopped cilantro or toasted slivered almonds
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the saffron threads with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Allow the saffron to bloom for 5–10 minutes. The water will turn a vibrant yellow-orange color.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the rinsed and drained rice, stirring gently to coat the grains in the fat, about 1–2 minutes.
Add the 1.5 cups of water, the saffron water (including the threads), and salt into the saucepan. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but leave the lid on. Allow the rice to sit undisturbed for an additional 5 minutes to allow any remaining steam to fully cook the grains.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, being careful not to mash the grains. If desired, garnish with chopped cilantro or toasted slivered almonds before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or complement to your main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
345 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.3 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 30 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 1195 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.6 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.1 g | ||
| Protein | 7.3 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 47 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 88 mg | 2% | |
*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.
