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Saffron Rice Recipe with Raisins and Pine Nuts

Saffron Rice with Golden Raisins and Pine Nuts combines the luxurious flavor of saffron with the natural sweetness of golden raisins and crunchy pine nuts. The plump raisins offer a lovely contrast in flavor and texture, providing a burst of sweetness in every bite!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 282 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine: American , Middle Eastern

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 4 tablespoons sultanas golden raisins
  • 1 3/4 cups boiling water
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads or 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Soak the rice in tepid water for 10 minutes; drain. While the rice is soaking, put half a kettle of water on to boil.
  2. Add the oil to a medium, thick-bottomed lidded saucepan over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Transfer the pine nuts to a small bowl and set aside.
  3. Add the onion to the saucepan you cooked the pine nuts in, and cook until softened and just starting to brown, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the rice and cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the sultanas, boiling water, salt, and saffron (or turmeric), turn the heat up to high, and bring it to a rolling boil.
  4. Give the rice a stir, then cover the saucepan, turn the heat down to very low, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes (do not open the lid during this time). Turn the heat off and let the rice sit (covered) 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  5. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top; serve.
  6. Optional: Add two pods of cardamom, two whole cloves, and one 2-inch (5 cm) piece of cinnamon stick at the same time that you add the rice.

Notes

  • "ROZ MLOW’WAN" Recipe courtesy of An Edible Mosaic: Middle Eastern Fare with Extraordinary Flair by Faith Gorsky (Tuttle Publishing; Nov. 2012); reprinted with permission.
  • "ROZ MLOW’WAN" Recipe courtesy of An Edible Mosaic: Middle Eastern Fare with Extraordinary Flair by Faith Gorsky (Tuttle Publishing; Nov. 2012); reprinted with permission.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 282kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 48g (16%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 297mg (12%) Potassium 210mg (6%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin C 1.7mg (2%) Calcium 22mg (2%) Iron 0.9mg (5%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 282

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 282kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 48g 16%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 297mg 12%
Potassium 210mg 4%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin C 1.7mg 2%
Calcium 22mg 2%
Iron 0.9mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.