Best 2 Saffron Cakes Recipes

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Saffron cakes are a delightful pastry treat that combines the unique flavor of saffron with a variety of textures and tastes. Originating from various cultures, these cakes come in different forms, each with its own distinct characteristics. Whether you prefer the rich, dense texture of the French madeleine or the delicate, crumbly texture of the Persian saffron cake, or perhaps the sweet, moist texture of the Indian saffron cake, there's a saffron cake recipe to suit every palate. With their vibrant golden hue and enticing aroma, these cakes are not only visually appealing but also incredibly flavorful, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or a special dessert to impress your guests, saffron cakes are sure to delight and tantalize your taste buds. This article presents a diverse collection of saffron cake recipes, each offering a unique culinary experience. From the classic French madeleine to the exotic Persian saffron cake and the indulgent Indian saffron cake, these recipes provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure successful baking. So, let's embark on a culinary journey and discover the enchanting world of saffron cakes!

Let's cook with our recipes!

CRAB CAKES WITH SAFFRON VINAIGRETTE



Crab Cakes with Saffron Vinaigrette image

The saffron vinaigrette gives these crab cakes a different twist.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Yield Makes 5

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound jumbo lump blue crab meat
1 large egg, beaten
1 large egg yolk, beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped onion
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme, picked
2 pinches finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup dried sourdough bread crumbs
Tabasco, to taste
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Saffron Vinaigrette
Chives, cut into 2-inch lengths, for garnish
1/4 cup tomato, peeled, seeded, and diced, for garnish

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat (a French nonstick baking mat). In a medium bowl, combine crab, eggs, garlic, onion, red and green pepper, salt, thyme, rosemary, bread crumbs, Tabasco, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Cover and chill for at least 10 minutes. Shape into 5 cakes, 2 inches thick. Set aside.
  • In a heavy-bottomed saute pan, heat remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add crab cakes and saute until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from saute pan and place on prepared baking sheet. Transfer to oven and bake until heated through, about 7 minutes.
  • Drizzle plates with saffron vinaigrette. Garnish plates with chives and diced tomato. Top with crab cakes.

SAFFRON CAKES



Saffron Cakes image

Categories     Cake     Mixer     Dessert     Bake     Currant     Orange     Raisin     Saffron     Gourmet     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 18 cakes

Number Of Ingredients 14

a 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
2 cups lukewarm water
3 tablespoons boiling water
a slightly rounded 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
5 1/2 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon nonfat powdered milk
4 tablespoons superfine sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup chopped glacéed orange peel*
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dried currants
*available at specialty foods shops and some supermarkets

Steps:

  • In a small bowl combine yeast and granulated sugar and stir in 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water. Let mixture stand until foamy, about 10 minutes. In another small bowl combine boiling water and saffron.
  • Into a bowl sift 1 1/2 cups flour and stir in yeast mixture and powdered milk, stirring to make a batter. Let batter rise, covered with plastic wrap, in a warm place 30 minutes.
  • In bowl of a standing electric mixer stir together remaining 4 cups flour, superfine sugar, and salt and blend in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add batter, saffron mixture, and remaining 3/4 cup lukewarm water and with paddle attachment beat on low speed until smooth, soft, and sticky. Let dough rise, covered with plastic wrap, in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. and butter eighteen 1/2-cup muffin tins.
  • Punch down dough and beat with paddle attachment on low speed 5 minutes. Add orange peel, raisins, and currants and beat until combined well. With a 1/4-cup measure scoop dough into muffin tins and let rise, covered with buttered wax paper and kitchen towels, in a warm place until dough is level with tops of tins, about 30 minutes.
  • Bake cakes in middle of oven 20 minutes, or until golden, and cool on racks. Cakes may be made 1 day ahead and cooled before keeping in airtight containers.

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality saffron. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, and its quality can vary considerably. Look for saffron that is a deep red color with no yellow or orange threads. The saffron should also have a strong, pungent aroma.
  • Toast the saffron before using it. Toasting the saffron will help to release its flavor and aroma. You can toast the saffron in a pan over low heat or in the oven at a low temperature.
  • Use a light touch with the saffron. A little saffron goes a long way, so use it sparingly. Too much saffron can overwhelm the other flavors in the dish.
  • Store saffron in a cool, dark place. Saffron is best stored in a cool, dark place. It will keep for up to a year if stored properly.
  • Experiment with different saffron recipes. There are many different ways to use saffron in cooking. You can use it to add flavor to rice dishes, stews, soups, and desserts.

Conclusion:

Saffron cakes are a delicious and elegant treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you are looking for a unique and flavorful dessert, saffron cakes are a great option. With their vibrant color and delicate flavor, they are sure to impress your guests. So next time you are looking for a special dessert, give saffron cakes a try. You won't be disappointed!

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