Saffron Rice

Saffron rice is a uniquely aromatic, flavorful side dish. Made with basmati rice, saffron threads, and a bit of broth, this fluffy saffron rice recipe is an aromatic, flavorful side dish that everyone will appreciate.

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In this post, I’ll show you how to make a recipe of saffron rice that will delight and impress your friends and family, but before we get into the directions, let’s talk about this rare spice and why it’s so special.

What is saffron and where is it from?

Saffron is the stigma of the crocus status flower (a.k.a saffron crocus), pictured above.

It is grown in regions throughout Iran, Pakistan, India, and other South Asian countries, as well as Northern Africa, Greece, Spain, and Italy.

Why is saffron so expensive?

Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice (by volume) and is consequently referred to as “red gold.” One kilogram of saffron can cost three thousand dollars.

Why? Because each flower has only three stamens, it would easily take 80,000 flowers to equal a kilogram (about 2 pounds) of useable saffron. The stigmas must be hand-harvested from each flower, a delicate and precise process that adds to the cost.

Watch out for fakes

Like all premium products (that command higher prices), fakes abound. Think San Marzano tomatoes.

Some unethical purveyors will blend saffron with other “ingredients” to stretch the yield, which ultimately denudes the quality of the product. See this Business Insider report on how fake saffron is destroying the red gold industry.

Kashmiri saffron is the only saffron in the world with a G.I. (Geographical Indication) registration authenticating its product as pure and unadulterated. Look for this designation if you want to be sure you’re getting the real McCoy.

Ingredients for saffron rice recipe

• Saffron Threads
• White Basmati Rice
• Olive Oil or Ghee
• Onions
• Vegetable Stock, Chicken Stock from Rotisserie chicken, or low-sodium broth
• Kosher Salt

What’s the best saffron for this rice recipe and where can I buy it?

There are many different grades of saffron, but for this rice recipe, I’d focus on finding a reputable source for the spice and a G.I. certification, like this 1-gram package of Kashmiri saffron {affiliate link} on Amazon.

I had a jar of Spanish saffron from Penzey’s (pictured above), which is what I used.

Note: Though it is an expensive ingredient, you only need a pinch of saffron (~ 1/2 tsp saffron threads) for the rice recipe.

Best rice for saffron yellow rice

Plain white rice tends to be a bit starchy with a chewy texture and shorter grains. It also has a more neutral flavor, not quite what you want for this dish.

Although you can use long-grain rice to make this saffron recipe, I prefer basmati rice. It has a nuttier aroma and more distinct grains, and the nutty flavor pairs very well with saffron.

You don’t need a fancy rice cooker for this recipe. Your stove top works better. It’s also easy to make, and the rice will be perfectly fluffy and fragrant every time.

Make the saffron rice recipe:

1. Use a mortar and pestle to mash half of the loose threads (or break them down by rubbing the saffron between your fingers. Leave the other half of the saffron threads uncrushed.
2. In a small bowl, combine the saffron and hot water to bloom. Set aside. (Note: I heat the water in the microwave until it’s steamy).
3. Rinse the basmati rice in a colander under a faucet until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain well.
4. Saute the onions in a skillet until they are tender and slightly translucent.
5. Add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to dry it and lightly toast it.
6. Stir the saffron mixture into the basmati rice until it takes on its distinctive yellow color.
7. Add the chicken broth and stir to combine.
8. Turn up the heat to high and bring the saffron rice to a boil, then reduce the temperature to low, cover the pan tightly with the lid and simmer for 15 minutes.
9. Remove the covered skillet from the heat and set aside for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam.
10. Remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the basmati rice with saffron.

Steaming saffron basmati rice

When making rice, the usual ratio of water to rice is 2:1, and the grain cooks for a full 20 minutes to absorb the liquid.

For this recipe of saffron rice, we use slightly less water and simmer the grains for less time (about five minutes less). Letting the slightly undercooked rice steam in the pot with the lid on allows the grains to absorb the liquid (steam is a liquid) entirely.

Steaming also cooks the delicate saffron rice perfectly, so the grains are separate, fluffy, and not at all sticky or gluey.

I love this saffron rice recipe as it is, and to me, it doesn’t need any embellishment. But if you were to make any additions, these would work well.

Variations to the recipe of saffron rice

• Sprinkle 3/4 cup of frozen peas in an even layer over the saffron rice for the last 10 minutes of steaming. The peas will defrost in the steam—fluff with a fork.
• Add a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese when serving saffron basmati rice. It will enhance the nutty flavor of the dish.
• Add 1/2 cup of chopped bell pepper when sauteing the onions for pops of red color and sweet flavor.
• Add a handful of chopped pistachios for texture.
• Add a cinnamon stick, cardamom pod, and golden raisins when adding the broth to a simmer. Discard the cinnamon and cardamom before serving. They’ll add another layer of aroma and flavor to the saffron basmati rice. Add chopped parsley for freshness and contrasting color.

FAQs

Saffron rice is a delicious side dish that pairs well with just about any protein or even vegetarian specialties. It’s used to make everything from Biriyani to Paella. Here are just a few things we like to serve it with.

What to serve with saffron rice

• Simple Herb Roasted Chicken with Pan Gravy
• Grilled Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
• Brined, Grilled Pork Chops
• Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken
• Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Castelvetrano Olive Relish
• Easy Grilled Shrimp
• Grilled Veal Chops with Garlic Herb Crust
• Wine and Garlic Mussels with Sausage
• Portobello Mushroom Burger

More rice recipes you’ll love:

• Louisiana Rice Dressing
• Sicilian-Style Brown Rice Salad
• Black Bean and Rice Salad
• Italian Wild Rice Salad
• Simple Hawaiian Rice Pilaf with Pineapple Chutney
• Curried Rice Salad with Ginger Curry Dressing
• Creamy Coconut Mango Rice