4.6 from 15 votes
Saffron Rice
This saffron rice recipe uses basmati rice, onion and broth for a simple, but fragrant, flavorful side dish. It's easy to make and this yellow rice is special enough for company.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Additional Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 222 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Ingredients
- scant ½ teaspoon saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons hottest tap water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup basmati rice
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon Morton's Kosher Salt or iodized salt
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth from rotisserie chicken or low-sodium broth
Instructions
- Crush half of the saffron threads with your fingers to crumble them and add to a small glass bowl. Add the remaining saffron and pour the hot water over the threads. Set aside for them to bloom.
- Rinse the basmati rice with fresh water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Set aside.
- Place the skillet over medium high heat and warm it until the skillet is hot but not smoking. Add the olive oil and swirl around the pan. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they're softened and slightly translucent.
- Add the drained rice to the skillet and stir with a wooden spoon to combine.
- Add the saffron and blooming liquid to the rice and stir until the rice starts to turn yellow. Stir in the chicken broth and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the basmati saffron rice with the lid to simmer.
- Cook the rice for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat and let it rest with the lid on for an additional 10 minutes. (This will steam the saffron rice).
- Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer to a serving bowl.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
222kcal
(11%)
Carbohydrates
39g
(13%)
Protein
6g
(12%)
Fat
4g
(6%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Sodium
325mg
(14%)
Potassium
162mg
(5%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
0.3IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
21mg
(2%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 222
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 222kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 325mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 162mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 0.3IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 21mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.