Zafrani Rice: An Easy to Follow Saffron Rice Recipe

Shawn Gavin July 14, 2024

Zafrani Rice: A Savory and Bright Middle Eastern and South Asian Dish

This fragrant and vibrant saffron rice dish is infused with the golden hues of saffron threads and is a staple in many Middle Eastern and South Asian homes. It's perfect for special occasions, when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, or even as a simple side to a weeknight meal.

Zafrani rice is a easy-to-make saffron rice dish that combines simple ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind, refreshing flavor It beautifully incorporates both sweet and savory aspects of cooking. The sweet, tart pomegranate seeds, green cardamom pods, whole clove, star anise and bay leaf add a tremendous amount depth and flavor to an otherwise simplistic rice dish.

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Zafrani Rice - Saffron Rice Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup basmati rice
A pinch of saffron threads
2 tablespoons warm water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 green cardamom pods
2 whole cloves
2 star anise
1-inch cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
1 mace blade
1 ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Salt, to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Pomegranate seeds, for garnish

Procedure

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the basmati rice in water for 20-30 minutes.
In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in warm water and set aside to infuse the flavor.
In a large pot, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the whole spices (cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and mace blade) to the pot and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Drain the water from the rice and add it to the pot. Sauté for a minute.
Stir in the chicken broth and saffron-infused water. Add salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil and then, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the broth is fully absorbed.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork.
Transfer the Zafrani rice to a serving platter and garnish with chopped cilantro and pomegranate pearls. Serve while it's still warm.