Saffron Rice Favorite Family Recipes

Saffron rice is a delicious side dish that you can whip up in about 30 minutes. It is made with chopped onions, garlic, basmati rice, chicken broth, and a pinch of saffron. We also love to add fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish. It’s just as easy as any other rice side dish but gives a slightly fruity, savory flavor to your meals. Perfect alongside chicken, pork, salmon or salads.

Ingredients in Saffron Rice

This is a simple side dish that packs a beautiful, flavorful punch but comes together quickly and easily. Here’s what you need:

Butter – two tablespoons, salted or unsalted, whichever you prefer Yellow onion – half a cup, finely diced Garlic – half a teaspoon, minced Saffron threads – one teaspoon. You can find saffron threads in most grocery stores, especially Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, etc. Basmati rice – Most saffron rice recipes use white basmati rice, but you can use any long-grain white rice. I have used Jasmine rice and white rice before for this recipe. Chicken broth – one and a half cups. You can use water or a combination of broth and water if you like. Parsley – fresh or dried, chopped, to taste Salt and pepper – to taste

What is Saffron?

Saffron is a spice, and if you’ve ever shopped for it, then you know it is an expensive spice. It is the stamen of the crocus sativus flower. The stems are harvested by hand and also the flower only blooms for one week a year. But, don’t let the price tag deter you, most recipes just need a pinch. Saffron has a unique flavor that blends sweet with savory. It has an unmistakable aroma and it gives food a golden yellow color. If you’ve tasted it then you know just how delicious it can be. Sometimes, a mortar and pestle is used to crush the saffron and extract even more flavor.

Where Saffron Comes From

Saffron rice is a part of many countries’ cuisines including, but not limited, to Spain, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran. It can be grown in the United States, too. The saffron flower is a bit labour-intensive, because the stigmas have to be handpicked from each flower, spread on trays and dried. But wow, it’s flavorful and delicious!

Is Saffron Rice the Same as Basmati Rice?

Saffron is the herb that enhances basmati rice to a floral, slightly nutty aroma and flavor. Basmati rice is long grain rice that can be earthy and nutty all on its own. But the two together are a delicious combination. You can use different types of rice to still create the saffron rice recipe.

What Makes Saffron Rice Yellow?

The yellow coloring comes from the carotenoid chemical crocin in the saffron flower. That, plus using chicken stock or vegetable stock to cook the rice, gives the dish a bright yellow color, along with subtle floral and earthy aromas and flavors.

Flavor Additions to Saffron Rice

Our Saffron Rice recipe is very simple. However, in different cuisines around the world you’ll find additions to the basic Saffron Rice that make it even more delicious! Here are some of our favorites:

golden raisins cardamom nutmeg cloves cinnamon pistachios pine nuts finely chopped red peppers

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What to Serve with Saffron Rice

Saffron Rice is typically served with grilled or broiled meats and fish. It also pairs well with Indian dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala. Check out some of our favorite recipes to serve with saffron rice. If you have a dish you love to serve with Saffron Rice, then let us know down in the comments!