Saffron Rice with Almonds and Raisins
Imagine the sweet smell of saffron emanating from your kitchen and traveling through the entire house. Because that’s what it does. Because it’ll invitingly call you. Because it’ll chase you until you acquiesce. Because you’ll want to experience it more often. Because if you try it once, you will again. It’s one thing to eat saffron-flavored food at a restaurant and a totally different one to make it at home, smell it develop from odorless to fragrant bliss, from colorless to golden yellow.
It had been a while since I’d cooked with saffron.I had almost forgotten what the experience feels like. But now I know well, too well again how good it is. I am inspired to cook Mom’s saffron chicken and a host of other saffron dishes. The good news is I have a good amount of saffron left and I will make it happen.
Saffron Rice Recipe
4 servings
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
2 tablespoons grated yellow onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup parboiled long grain rice
1/4 cup golden raisins, rinsed
1/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds
Add the saffron to 1/2 cup boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring 2 1/4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot over high heat. Add the grated onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, rice and saffron infusion. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid and cook the rice until tender, 25 minutes. Stir in the raisins and almonds. Serve.
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♥peachkins♥ — 10/19/2010 @ 2:38 am
Wow! I'll be eating lots of rice if this was served!
Bryan — 10/19/2010 @ 9:00 am
Looks beautiful Nisrine! I love the gentle flavor of saffron. This sounds wonderful
Caffettiera — 10/19/2010 @ 9:05 am
I love saffron as well, and rice is a natural pairing (in my hometown, Milan, the signature dish is 'risotto allo zafferano', risotto with saffron). A beautiful and really easy side dish!
Cathy — 10/19/2010 @ 1:13 pm
This is beautiful, Nisrine. My daughter brought me a little packet of saffron from Budapest that I've been saving for something like this. What a lovely treat.
Fimère — 10/19/2010 @ 2:36 pm
un plat vraiment appétissant j'imagine la saveur et l'odeur du safran
bonne journée
Rachana — 10/19/2010 @ 3:03 pm
I love saffron as well :-)This rice recipe sounds so easy and delicious.
Barbara — 10/19/2010 @ 5:07 pm
What a lovely rice dish, Nisrine! The color is marvelous and it looks delicious!
Jennifurla — 10/19/2010 @ 5:51 pm
Yum, I would love a bowl
Katie@Cozydelicious — 10/20/2010 @ 12:35 am
This looks lovely and special and delicious. The color is beautiful!
blackbookkitchendiaries — 10/20/2010 @ 1:27 am
Hi Nisrine, this is my first time visiting. You have a beautiful blog, I really love the pictures too. I cant wait to try out this recipe. thank you for sharing.
Barbara Bakes — 10/20/2010 @ 12:14 pm
I've never cooked with saffron, but recently was given some so it was fun to see this post. Love how you've plated the rice.
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday — 10/20/2010 @ 6:07 pm
I never use saffron because I don't keep it at home. It's so expensive so I'm weary about using it. I do take full advantage of any dish that DOES contain saffron though by eating copious volumes.
Bridgett — 10/21/2010 @ 3:11 am
You come up with some of the most gorgeous recipes. I need to invest in some saffron and give this one a try. How indulgent!
Eliana — 10/21/2010 @ 3:55 am
What an amazing and elegant side dish. I'd be tempted to have this rice by itself as a meal cuz it looks so delicious.
Dana — 10/21/2010 @ 4:32 am
Saffron rice is just so good! I bet the raisins make it even better.
Cherine — 10/21/2010 @ 6:45 am
A gorgeous risotto dish! Love the flavors!
Indie.Tea — 10/21/2010 @ 7:12 am
Yum! I love saffron, especially saffron rice (too bad the boy doesn't like saffron rice though).
Reeni — 10/22/2010 @ 1:01 am
You enticed me with your lovely description of saffron! I can almost smell it! This is gorgeous.
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE — 10/22/2010 @ 2:26 am
Oh saffron–how I love thee! It just perfectly perfumes whatever it touches. this looks divine!
Kris Ngoei — 10/22/2010 @ 10:55 am
You managed to cook the rice to perfection, just love the clear grains of rice… a wonderful food styling that is!
Sawadee from Bangkok,
Kris
Amanda — 10/23/2010 @ 6:07 am
I love saffron rice – the saffron just lifts the whole dish, doesn't it?!
Hylic — 10/24/2010 @ 5:19 pm
love the way the rice was cooked!! tasty!
Trix — 10/24/2010 @ 9:08 pm
I first cooked with saffron last year, and you are right – it feels decadent and addictive. I love everything about it, and I just wish it weren't so expensive! Beautiful rice dish.