Luxe Saffron Rice Pilaf with Roasted Red Peppers and Almonds
Indulge in this exquisite Saffron Rice Pilaf that showcases the aromatic essence of saffron, enhanced by the crunch of toasted almonds and the vibrant sweetness of roasted red peppers. Inspired by the classic flavors of paella, this dish makes a stunning side for grilled fish, such as salmon, or a delightful accompaniment to any hearty entrée. The combination of long-grain rice and savory vegetables creates a colorful, fragrant plate that is both simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Perfect for any occasion, this rice pilaf will elevate your dining experience.
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
low sodium chicken broth
2 1/2 cups (heated)
saffron
1/8 teaspoon (about 20 threads, steeped in broth)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
yellow onion
1 medium (small diced (about 1 1/4 cups))
red bell pepper
1 (cored, seeded, and small diced (about 1 cup))
long-grain white rice
1 1/2 cups (Basmati recommended)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped, divided)
garlic
1 large clove (minced)
slivered almonds
1/4 cup (toasted)
fresh oregano
1 tablespoon (chopped (or use half as much dry))
Instructions
1
Start by heating the low-sodium chicken broth in a saucepan or microwave until hot. Stir in the saffron threads, cover, and let them steep for 15 to 20 minutes to release their vibrant color and flavor.
2
In a heavy-based 3-quart saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper, cooking and stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Avoid browning the vegetables to maintain freshness in flavor.
3
Incorporate the long-grain rice, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper into the saucepan. Stir well, ensuring that each grain is coated with oil. Toast the rice for a full five minutes, stirring regularly to keep the grains distinct and prevent burning. If you observe any signs of scorching, reduce the heat as needed.
4
After toasting, gently fold in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley and the minced garlic, allowing the garlic to sauté briefly and release its aroma.
5
Pour the saffron-infused broth into the saucepan, give it a single stir, and increase the heat to medium-high until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, cover the saucepan tightly, lower the heat to a simmer, and cook for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
6
After 18 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb all of the delicious flavors.
7
Uncover the pilaf and use a fork to gently fluff the rice. Carefully fold in the toasted slivered almonds, the remaining parsley, and fresh oregano. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or cayenne if desired.
8
Serve warm and enjoy this luxurious side dish that effortlessly complements your favorite main course!
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
5.5g
Carbs
0.87g
Protein
0.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luxe Saffron Rice Pilaf?
Luxe Saffron Rice Pilaf is an aromatic and flavorful rice dish that features the essence of saffron, toasted almonds, and vibrant roasted red peppers, inspired by the flavors of paella.
What type of rice is recommended for this pilaf?
Long-grain white rice is recommended, with Basmati being the preferred choice for its texture and fragrance.
How long should I steep the saffron threads?
Saffron threads should be steeped in hot chicken broth for 15 to 20 minutes to fully release their vibrant color and aromatic flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, while the original recipe uses chicken broth, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting it with low-sodium vegetable broth.
How do I prevent the vegetables from browning?
Cook the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are soft and translucent without letting them brown.
Why do I need to toast the rice before adding liquid?
Toasting the rice for five minutes ensures each grain is coated in oil, which helps keep the grains distinct and prevents the pilaf from becoming mushy.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
Once the broth reaches a boil, cover the pan tightly and lower the heat to simmer for exactly 18 minutes.
What should I do after the rice finishes simmering?
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish cooking and absorb all the flavors.
How do I fluff the rice without breaking it?
Use a fork to gently fluff the rice after the resting period to maintain the integrity of the long grains.
When should I add the toasted almonds?
Fold in the toasted slivered almonds at the very end, after fluffing the rice, to maintain their crunch.
What main dishes pair well with Saffron Rice Pilaf?
This pilaf is an excellent side dish for grilled fish, such as salmon, or any hearty entree.
How much saffron is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of saffron threads, which is approximately 20 threads.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this rice pilaf contains approximately 40 calories.
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried oregano, but use only half as much as the fresh amount called for in the recipe.
What are the primary fats used in this dish?
The dish uses extra virgin olive oil for sautéing and contains healthy fats from the toasted slivered almonds.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the rice, broth, vegetables, and seasonings.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish has a subtle warmth from 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but it is not considered spicy.
How do I prepare the red bell pepper?
The red bell pepper should be cored, seeded, and small diced to yield about 1 cup.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 1.5g of fat per serving in this recipe.
Can I add more salt if needed?
Yes, after fluffing the rice and adding the final ingredients, you should taste and adjust the seasoning with additional kosher salt if desired.
What size saucepan should I use?
A heavy-based 3-quart saucepan with a tight-fitting lid is recommended for even cooking.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses one large minced garlic clove, added toward the end of the rice-toasting process.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are approximately 5.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to wash the rice first?
The recipe does not specify washing, as the toasting step helps manage the starch and texture of the grains.
What is the total amount of broth required?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
Can I use yellow bell peppers instead of red?
Yes, while red peppers provide a vibrant sweetness, yellow or orange bell peppers are suitable substitutes.
How do I ensure the rice doesn't burn during toasting?
Stir the rice regularly during the five-minute toasting period and reduce the heat if you notice any signs of scorching.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 0.25g of fiber.
Should the broth be cold when added to the rice?
No, the broth should be heated before steeping the saffron and adding it to the saucepan to ensure the cooking temperature remains consistent.
How much parsley is used and when is it added?
A total of 1/4 cup of chopped parsley is used; 2 tablespoons are added during cooking, and the rest is folded in after the rice is cooked.