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yellow rice in a pan on a table.
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Saffron Rice Recipe

Flavorful and aromatic, this dish is made with basmati rice, saffron threads, and warm spices. It is perfect for accompanying a variety of main dishes, from chicken and fish to vegetarian curries!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4
Author: Becky Hardin

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ½ yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1½ cups dry basmati rice
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon saffron threads

Instructions

  • In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the onions for 4 minutes.
    1 tablespoon vegetable oil, ½ yellow onion
    onion in a bowl on a white surface.
  • Add in the garlic, cinnamon, cumin and turmeric and cook for 30 seconds or until aromatic.
    2 cloves garlic, 1 cinnamon stick, ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
    a bowl filled with onions and garlic on a white surface.
  • Add the rice and sauté for 3-5 minutes or until it turns to an opaque white color, stirring occasionally.
    1½ cups dry basmati rice
    fried rice in a bowl on a white surface.
  • Pour the broth into the saucepan, add the salt and saffron, then stir to combine.
    3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon saffron threads
    a bowl of yellow soup on a white surface.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight fitting lid.
  • Let it cook for 20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. (Do not open the pan during this time or you’ll let out all of the steam and make some of the rice crunchy and underdone.)
    yellow rice in a bowl on a white surface.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid on.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork before serving with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.
    two bowls of yellow rice with a spoon.

Video

Notes

  • I like basmati rice best, but any long-grain rice works.
  • Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes starch from the rice, allowing the grains to separate rather than clump together.
  • Toast the rice with the spices to add a nutty flavor to the final dish. You won't regret it!
  • Let the rice rest for at least 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. This will make the rice nice and fluffy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.125cups | Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 349mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg