Yellow Saffron Rice Recipe – The Wholesome Maven

Spice up your rice with this delicious and easy Yellow Saffron Rice recipe. Made with basmati rice, high quality saffron threads and broth, you’ll never go back to your plain, boring rice recipe.

I was recently chatting with my friend Sahar about how much we love saffron. To be fair, we discussed it more in the context of skincare (specifically this saffron face serum), but Sahar taught me how saffron is often used in skincare and haircare products in Pakistan and India. It made me think of one of my favorite saffron recipes, this easy saffron rice recipe I used to make.

A little secret for you: one of the reasons I stopped making saffron rice so often was because when we moved to California I couldn’t just go to Mama Maven’s and steal some of her saffron. Because in case you didn’t know, saffron is expensive and I could justify shopping in my parents’ pantry in my early 20s.

But now I’m a full adult and I really can’t justify it anymore. So I bought a small batch of saffron from an ethical company called Rumi. The name influenced me 100% but luckily the product held up and now this yellow saffron rice recipe is back on the menu.

The History of Saffron Rice

Saffron rice is a common dish in many regions of the world. It is most commonly used in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and other parts of South Asia. It is also found in Persian cuisine in the Middle East and even in other parts of Asia, such as Thai cuisine (where it is prepared with jasmine rice and mixed with fish sauce).

Traditionally made with white basmati rice, it comes in both sweet and savory versions.

What is saffron? Saffron is a spice obtained from the flower of Crocus sativus. Good quality saffron has an earthy, floral flavor. It can taste a bit sweet to some. Poor quality saffron can have a bitter taste, so avoid the cheap stuff if you can. Saffron strands give yellow saffron rice its yellow color.

Ingredients for saffron rice recipe

• basmati rice – Stick to white basmati rice for saffron rice or white jasmine rice if that’s all you have. In general, I would recommend using a long grain rice.
• chicken broth/stock – You can also use vegetable broth if you are vegan or vegetarian.
• olive oil – Ideally extra virgin olive oil. Adds a richer flavor to this rice recipe with yellow saffron.
• Saffron – usually purchased as saffron threads.
• turmeric – for the taste and also for the colour.
• sea-salt – Add more or less depending on taste preference and sodium content.

Tips for cooking with saffron

1. Invest in good quality saffron – Saffron can be a bit pricey, but it is important to invest in good quality saffron. The fake stuff lacks true aromatic flavor and just isn’t worth it. Also, be sure to buy Fair Trade from areas of the world where saffron is typically grown – today 90% of saffron is grown in Iran.

2. A little goes a long way – Although saffron can be expensive (it’s known to be the most expensive spice in the world!), a little goes a long way so you don’t have to buy a lot of it. You only need 1/4 teaspoon of saffron, which is about a pinch of saffron.

3. Always soak your saffron in hot waterr – this helps release the aromatic flavors which are then infused into your saffron rice.

How to make this saffron rice recipe

STEP 1: PREPARE SAFFRON

Place the saffron in the mortar and grind with a pestle until it reaches a powdery consistency. Add your 1/4 cup of hot water directly to the pestle and stir to combine. Put aside.

STEP 2: COOKING RICE

In a medium saucepan or saucepan, add your chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the broth is simmering, add your saffron and water mixture, olive oil, turmeric, and salt. Mix well. Add rice and bring the mixture back to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover tightly with a lid. Simmer on low for 15 minutes.

STEP 3: STOP COOKING + FLUFF

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered with a lid, for 5-10 minutes until all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.

store leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Rice is generally better fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the microwave if you have any.

What goes with saffron rice?

There are so many ways to use this yellow saffron rice recipe. You can substitute your regular rice recipe or combine it with one of the delicious recipes below.

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