Saffron Rice

Saffron Rice

You wouldn’t believe how often I cook this recipe

Considering how often I make saffron rice, I’m surprised it’s taken me this long to share the recipe. Gorgeously golden and brimming with flavour, this recipe is one of my “go to” side dishes when making Persian or Middle Eastern food, which is often!

This weekend however my friend was visiting, so it was time to cook up a feast. Although I was planning to make my friend an Indian feast (with my Paneer Tikka Masala), I opted for Persian instead with chicken seekh kebabs, roasted garlic hummus, roast garlic yoghurt dip, my quinoa tabbouleh, and of course, saffron rice.

The secret to this recipe is the stock you use. I once made this for my family using liquid stock and it was… bland. However, stock pots have a much stronger flavour and so I will always recommend these over liquid stock. And the bright yellow colour of the rice comes from both the saffron and my secret ingredient – ghee! Honestly, onions softening in ghee is one of my favourite aromas in the kitchen.

Life’s Little Pleasures: The Rice Cooker

I had been adamant not to invest in a rice cooker until a few years ago when the lockdown situation in Scotland pushed me to get one. And boy, was it worth it! Not only did it save me time and effort but also helped me get perfectly cooked rice dishes every single time.

If only I had been open to the idea sooner! It would have saved me so much time and effort and made my life quite a bit easier.

I had always felt I was limited with what I could make in the kitchen when it came to rice. My stovetop-rice method made it difficult for me to create some of my favourite dishes – like sushi. But now, thanks to the rice cooker, I can enjoy it much more easily.

When I relocated home to Australia, the first kitchen appliance I got was a rice cooker. Even before buying a food processor! With this handy tool, I felt like I could almost do anything in the kitchen! Recently, I had a great opportunity to stay with my family for an extended duration and I decided to surprise them by gifting them a rice cooker! Time-saving appliances like these make life in the kitchen so much easier and simpler. Needless to say, I’m a huge fan of these gadgets!

I recently convinced a friend to get a rice cooker – all it took was cooking Karaage together and asking him to prepare the rice for our vegetable sushi. He had never used a rice cooker before, but soon realised how quickly and conveniently it works – now he’s a total convert!

Keeping it Simple

The rice cooker I use is just this affordable Kmart option. I don’t need any of the other fancy bells and whistles yet. And as I am only preparing rice for myself it’s a perfect size.

Saffron Rice Recipe – Golden Elegance on Your Plate

Elevate your rice game with the luxurious touch of Saffron Rice. The golden hues of saffron threads intermingle with perfectly cooked rice, creating a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Saffron, known as the “king of spices,” infuses the rice with its unique aroma and a delicate, slightly floral flavour.

As you lift your fork, you’ll notice the threads of saffron weaving through the rice, imparting a regal touch to every grain. This dish is more than sustenance; it’s a statement of elegance that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Whether served alongside grilled meats, seafood, or vegetable dishes, Saffron Rice is a golden invitation to savour life’s finer moments.