Recipes for Saffron

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water for 10 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the basmati rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains with the onion and garlic mixture.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and the soaked saffron threads with the soaking liquid. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
6. While the rice is cooking, heat a small pan over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and toast them until lightly golden.
7. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the toasted almonds and raisins. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Serve the saffron rice pilaf as a side dish or as a main course with grilled vegetables or protein of your choice.