Saffron Rice Pilaf

Saffron Rice Pilaf

Info

Rating
Calories
468.0
Protein
9.0
Sodium
12.0
Fat
17.0

Description

The color yellow symbolized joy for medieval Arabs, who were cultivating saffron in Spain by 960 c.e. Sephardic Jews were equally inspired by the coveted spice, and golden rice became a holiday and Sabbath tradition. This version, made with basmati rice, is punctuated by caramelized onion, currants, and fried almonds.

Ingredients

3/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
2 tablespoons boiling-hot water
1/3 cup olive oil
1 cup slivered almonds (4 ounces)
1 very large onion, chopped (3 to 4 cups)
3 cups white basmati rice (19 ounces)
4 1/2 cups water
1 cup dried currants (4 ounces)

Directions

  1. Soften saffron in hot water (2 tablespoons) in a small bowl.
  2. Heat oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Fry almonds, stirring frequently, until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
  3. Fry onion in oil remaining in pot, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer half of onion to a bowl.
  4. Add rice to onion in pot and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add water (4 1/2 cups), saffron mixture, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, until water is absorbed and rice is tender, 18 to 20 minutes. Let rice stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes.
  5. While rice stands, stir almonds and currants into bowl with onion.
  6. Fluff rice with a fork and serve with almond mixture spooned on top.

Tags

    Onion Side Fry Vegetarian Dried Fruit Almond Saffron Kosher Vegan Potluck Gourmet Pescatarian Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Go to back to recipes.