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Claudia Roden's Riz au Saffran - Saffron Rice
Interview with culinary anthropologist and cookbook author Claudia Roden, and her recipe for Riz au Saffran - Saffron Rice with Raisins & Almonds
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 442 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups Water or stock
- 3 tablespoons sunflower or light vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste - if you're using stock to cook the rice, you may need less)
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 2 1/2 cups basmati or long-grain rice
- 2/3 cup raisins (I used golden raisins)
- 1/2 cup flaked, sliced or chopped almonds
Instructions
- Grind the saffron threads in a spice mortar to a powdery texture.
- Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer for a few minutes. (This step is not in the original recipe, but I always rinse my rice before cooking.)
- In a large pot, bring the water or stock to a boil with the oil and salt.
- Add the saffron and the rice to the pot. Let the mixture come to a boil again. Stir well, then set the heat to low.
- Cover the pot with a lid. Let the rice steam over low heat for 20-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and little holes have appeared on the surface.
- Remove from heat. Leave the rice to rest covered for a few minutes. Meanwhile, cover the raisins with hot water for a few minutes till they become moist and plump.
- Toast the sliced almonds in a skillet over medium low heat, stirring constantly, till golden brown and aromatic. Keep a close eye, the almonds will burn if you don't watch them. You can also toast them under the broiler, as Claudia suggests.
- Drain the raisins. Use a fork to fluff the rice, integrating the drained raisins and toasted almonds as you mix.
- Serve warm.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
442kcal
(22%)
Carbohydrates
76g
(25%)
Protein
7g
(14%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Sodium
403mg
(17%)
Potassium
285mg
(8%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Vitamin C
0.9mg
(1%)
Calcium
54mg
(5%)
Iron
1.4mg
(8%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 442
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 442kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 76g | 25% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 403mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 285mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 0.9mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 54mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1.4mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.