Citrusy Saffron Rice Pilaf with Peas and Pistachios
Elevate your meal with this Citrus Saffron Rice Pilaf, inspired by Alton Brown. This aromatic dish combines the nutty flavor of toasted long grain white rice with vibrant vegetables, infused chicken broth, and the unique taste of saffron. The addition of sweet golden raisins and crunchy pistachios creates a delightful textural contrast, while the bright citrus notes from orange zest harmonize beautifully. Perfect as a side dish for a variety of proteins, this Rice Pilaf is sure to impress at your next gathering.
12
Servings
130
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Onion
1/2 (Minced)
Red bell pepper
1/2 (Minced)
Kosher salt
2 pinches
Long grain white rice
2 cups
Chicken broth
2 3/4 cups
Orange zest
2 slices (1-inch wide by 3-inch long)
Saffron
1 pinch (Steeped in 1/4 cup hot water)
Bay leaf
1
Frozen peas
1 1/2 cups (Thawed)
Golden raisins
1/4 cup
Pistachios
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a heavy, wide pan with a tight-fitting lid, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced onion, red bell pepper, and kosher salt. Gently sweat the vegetables until they become aromatic and translucent, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3
Stir in the long grain white rice, coating it thoroughly in the butter and vegetables. Continue to stir until the rice takes on a nutty aroma, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the orange zest slices, steeped saffron with its water, and the bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir once to ensure even distribution.
5
Cover the pan with a damp dish towel and then place the tight-fitting lid on top, sealing the edges of the towel under the lid to keep in the steam.
6
Transfer the covered pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
7
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest, undisturbed, for 15-20 minutes to allow the rice to finish cooking and absorb the steam.
8
While the rice is resting, simmer the peas in salted water or microwave them until heated through, then drain.
9
After resting, carefully remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the heated peas, and then sprinkle the dish with golden raisins and chopped pistachios for added flavor and crunch.
10
Serve warm as an elegant side dish or vegetarian main.
Nutrition Information
4.4g
Fat
19.2g
Carbs
2.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main inspiration for this Citrusy Saffron Rice Pilaf?
This recipe is inspired by the cooking techniques and flavor profiles associated with Alton Brown.
What type of rice should I use for this pilaf?
You should use long grain white rice to achieve the best texture and nutty aroma.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the rice need to bake in the oven?
The rice should be baked for 15 minutes in a covered pan.
Why is a dish towel used under the lid when baking?
A damp dish towel is placed under the lid to create a tight seal and keep the steam inside the pan during baking.
How long should the rice rest after coming out of the oven?
The rice needs to rest, undisturbed, for 15 to 20 minutes to finish cooking and absorb all the steam.
What liquid is used to cook the rice?
The recipe calls for 2 3/4 cups of chicken broth, plus 1/4 cup of hot water used to steep the saffron.
How do I prepare the saffron for this recipe?
A pinch of saffron should be steeped in 1/4 cup of hot water before being added to the rice.
What gives the rice its citrus flavor?
The citrus notes come from two large slices of orange zest, measuring approximately 1-inch wide by 3-inches long.
Which vegetables are sweated at the beginning of the recipe?
Minced onion and minced red bell pepper are gently sweated in butter until aromatic.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 130 calories.
When should the frozen peas be added?
The peas should be heated separately and stirred into the rice after it has finished resting and being fluffed.
What toppings are added for texture and crunch?
Golden raisins and chopped pistachios are sprinkled over the dish just before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While tagged as vegetarian, it uses chicken broth; to make it truly vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How much fat is in one serving of this pilaf?
There are 4.4 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 2.8 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 19.2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I toast the rice in the pan?
The rice should be stirred with the butter and vegetables for 3-4 minutes until it takes on a nutty aroma.
What kind of pan is recommended for this dish?
A heavy, wide pan with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for even heat distribution and steam retention.
Should the rice be fluffed immediately after baking?
No, you must wait for the 15-20 minute resting period to complete before fluffing the rice with a fork.
What spices are used besides saffron?
The recipe uses a bay leaf and kosher salt for seasoning.
How should the orange zest be prepared?
The orange zest should be cut into two slices that are about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long.
What is the role of the golden raisins?
Golden raisins add a sweet contrast to the savory and aromatic elements of the pilaf.
How do you cook the peas?
You can simmer the peas in salted water or microwave them until they are heated through before draining.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While pistachios provide a traditional flavor and color, you could substitute them with almonds or pine nuts.
What is the best way to fluff the rice?
The rice should be fluffed gently using a fork to separate the grains without mashing them.
Is the rice cooked on the stovetop or in the oven?
The initial preparation is done on the stovetop, but the primary cooking happens in the oven.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in this Citrusy Saffron Rice Pilaf.
How do I ensure the rice doesn't burn during the initial stovetop phase?
Keep the heat on medium-low and stir the onion and pepper constantly while sweating them in the butter.