Best 6 Saffron Almond Rice Pilaf Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey to the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine with our delectable Saffron Almond Rice Pilaf. This classic dish, also known as Ruz bi Shakariyyeh, is a symphony of flavors and textures, combining the earthy aroma of saffron, the nutty richness of almonds, and the fluffy perfection of basmati rice.

Our collection of recipes offers a diverse range of variations, catering to various dietary preferences and taste profiles. From the traditional recipe that evokes the authentic flavors of Persia to a vegan adaptation that delights with its plant-based ingredients, each recipe promises a unique culinary experience.

For those seeking a wholesome and nutritious meal, our Saffron Almond Rice Pilaf with Vegetables incorporates a medley of colorful vegetables, transforming this classic dish into a vibrant and nourishing feast. For a touch of indulgence, our Saffron Almond Rice Pilaf with Chicken or Beef offers a hearty and flavorful combination of protein and aromatic rice, perfect for special occasions.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of our basic Saffron Almond Rice Pilaf or the delectable variations we offer, this timeless dish is sure to impress with its fragrant aroma, beautiful presentation, and captivating taste. Embark on a culinary adventure with us and savor the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine through our Saffron Almond Rice Pilaf recipes.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

SAFFRON RICE PILAF



Saffron Rice Pilaf image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup broken thin spaghetti
1 3/4 cups chicken stock
1 cup long-grain rice
1/4 cup chopped golden raisins
1 Fresno chile pepper, halved
1 large bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick
Generous pinch saffron
Salt

Steps:

  • Melt the butter in a saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and toast until golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock, rice, raisins, chile pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, saffron and season with salt. Bring to boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 18 minutes.

SAFFRON RICE PILAF WITH TOASTED ALMONDS



Saffron Rice Pilaf With Toasted Almonds image

This is a rice pilaf recipe that I make all the time. I started making it to avoid the sodium and preservatives in the boxed versions of rice pilaf. This recipe is healthy and the ingredients are inexpensive. It's one of my husband's favorite!

Provided by Jennigator3

Categories     Long Grain Rice

Time 26m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

3/4 cup white rice
1/3 cup vermicelli, broken into 1/2 inch pieces
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
1 pinch saffron
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
1 teaspoon seasoning salt

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan on medium-low heat, toast almonds until they turn a golden-brown color. Remove from saucepan and set aside.
  • In the same saucepan on medium heat, melt butter.
  • Add vermicelli noodles and brown for 1 minute.
  • Add rice and brown for 1-2 additional minutes being careful not to burn noodles or rice.
  • Add seasoned salt, saffron, toasted almonds and chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  • Cover saucepan and reduce heat to lowest setting. Cook covered for 16 minutes.
  • Remove lid and fluff with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 192.9, Fat 5.4, SaturatedFat 2.2, Cholesterol 7.6, Sodium 401.2, Carbohydrate 29.6, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 0.5, Protein 5.6

SAFFRON RICE PILAF



Saffron Rice Pilaf image

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.

Provided by Melissa Roberts

Categories     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

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

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)

Steps:

  • Soften saffron in hot water (2 tablespoons) in a small bowl.
  • 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.
  • Fry onion in oil remaining in pot, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer half of onion to a bowl.
  • 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.
  • While rice stands, stir almonds and currants into bowl with onion.
  • Fluff rice with a fork and serve with almond mixture spooned on top.

JEWELED SAFFRON RICE PILAF



Jeweled Saffron Rice Pilaf image

Saffron will tint basmati rice a gorgeous color while perfuming it with its scent. The rice will be mixed with toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs for a blend of Mediterranean flavors.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Kosher salt
½ teaspoon saffron
3 cups basmati rice, rinsed well and drained
¾ cup dried cranberries
½ cup currants
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ cup roasted salted almonds, coarsely chopped
¼ cup shelled roasted salted pistachios, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • Bring a large nonstick saucepot of water to a boil and generously salt. Transfer ½ cup boiling water to a bowl and stir in the saffron; reserve. Add the rice to a boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Drain well. Melt the butter in the same pot over medium-low heat and stir in the coriander and cumin. Reduce the heat to low and spread one-third of the rice evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle with one-third of the saffron mixture and half of the cranberries and currants. Spoon half of the remaining rice over the dried fruit and sprinkle with half of the remaining saffron mixture and the remaining dried fruit. Top with the remaining rice and saffron mixture. Poke 5 holes in the rice with the handle of a wooden spoon. Wrap a clean kitchen towel around the pot lid, cover the rice, and steam for 35 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Spoon the rice, including its crunchy golden bottom layer, onto a serving platter and top with the almonds and pistachios.

APRICOT ALMOND PILAF



Apricot Almond Pilaf image

A sumptuous but easy Persian-inspired dish. Rosewater can be found in Middle Eastern groceries and in many large supermarkets. The carrot, saffron, and apricots make for a beautiful gold color. Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom along with the saffron, if desired.

Provided by JOHNTHEBEAR

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small carrot, finely chopped
1 cup basmati rice
1 teaspoon salt
1 ⅞ cups water
¼ teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
1 tablespoon rose water
¼ cup dried apricots, diced
¼ cup slivered almonds

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion and carrot until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in basmati rice and salt; cook and stir until rice is slightly opaque, about 3 minutes.
  • Pour in water; stir to combine. Mix in saffron threads, rose water, apricots, and almonds; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice has absorbed the liquid, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow pilaf to stand covered for 10 more minutes. Stir before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 289 calories, Carbohydrate 46 g, Cholesterol 15.3 mg, Fat 9.9 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 636.5 mg, Sugar 6.1 g

SAFFRON ALMOND RICE



Saffron Almond Rice image

I simply love the flavors of North Africa and I think that you'll enjoy this as much as I do. I like to make this with pistachios in place of the almonds sometimes.

Provided by Annacia

Categories     Rice

Time 25m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup basmati rice (Jasmine is also lovely)
2 cups water
1 pinch saffron
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
1/2 cup dried apricot, chopped
sea salt
fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Pour the rice and water into a small pot with a lid and add saffron, almonds, apricots and seasoning.
  • Stir gently and bring to a slow steady simmer, stir and cover with a tight fitting lid.
  • Simmer for 15 minutes on low heat.
  • Without opening the lid turn off the heat and let the pot rest at least five to ten minutes or so before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 576.1, Fat 16.2, SaturatedFat 1.6, Sodium 17.2, Carbohydrate 97.7, Fiber 8.9, Sugar 19.2, Protein 14.2

Tips:

  • Use high-quality saffron for the best flavor. Look for saffron threads that are a deep red color and have a strong aroma.
  • To toast the almonds, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
  • Be careful not to overcook the rice. It should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
  • If you don't have a rice cooker, you can cook the rice in a saucepan on the stovetop. Just bring the water and rice to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
  • Saffron almond rice pilaf is a great side dish for chicken, fish, or lamb. It can also be served as a main course with a side of yogurt or raita.

Conclusion:

Saffron almond rice pilaf is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a popular dish in many cultures and is often served at special gatherings. The saffron gives the rice a beautiful golden color and a delicate flavor, while the almonds add a nutty crunch. This dish is sure to impress your guests and is a great way to enjoy the flavors of saffron.

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