An ordinary yogurt snack can be turned into a treat worthy of royalty thanks to a hint of saffron flavor and a lovely, lovely golden hue. There is something palatial about this yogurt despite its simplicity.
So, before you make it, I’d like to warn you that it may very well make you feel like a king lounging in his courtyard in front of a mosaic-tiled pool (in Speedos and Oliver Peoples sunglasses), enjoying his indulgent afternoon repast.
Are you up for that? You let the saffron pistils steep in some really hot milk. Then you mix it into thick, creamy Greek yogurt. You sweeten it and top it with your favorite topping — stewed figs, for example. You finish it off with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. And you simply enjoy it!
Do you know that saffron is good for you? In addition to its recent popularity for weight loss, it is an age-old anti-inflammatory, pain reliever and powerful antidepressant. So don’t be surprised if you have a sudden, unexplained feeling of happiness and well-being after eating it.
SAFFRON YOGURT PARFAIT WITH STEWED FIGS
Yield: 1 serving
Total Time: 15 MIN
Ingredients:
- Yogurt
- 15 saffron threads, crushed
- 2 tablespoons very hot milk
- ¾ cup Greek-style yogurt
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup, plus more for drizzling
- Optional toppings: fruit, sliced almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds
Stewed Figs
- ¼ cups of water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup dried Turkish figs
Directions:
Step 1: Place the crushed saffron and hot milk in a bowl. Let steep for 10 minutes. Add the yogurt and maple syrup and stir well until the ingredients are combined into a homogeneously yellow and creamy mixture. Top with fruits and/or nuts. Finish off with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Step 2: To make the stewed figs, bring the water, honey, and lemon juice to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the figs and cook over medium-low heat until soft and plump, 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the softness of the figs. Let the figs cool. Cut them in half lengthwise.
