How to Prepare Fluffy Saffron Rice

This simple dish of Spanish rice infused with saffron is golden, fragrant, and flavorful. The striking yellow color in this rice recipe makes it so unique. Saffron rice is easy to prepare and can be cooked in 30 minutes.

How to cook rice with saffron?

Crush and soak saffron in hot water as it needs moisture to release its flavor. Saffron threads are quite frail and can easily be crumbled between your fingers, although for a more uniform powder, use a mortar and pestle. After soaking add both the saffron and the liquid to the recipe.

Ingredients

2 cups long-grained white rice

3 cups water or vegetable broth, chicken stock

¼ teaspoon saffron threads

¼ cup hot water

2 tablespoon cooking oil

1 large onion, minced

1 red bell pepper, thinly diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon ground coriander

Salt to taste

Procedure

Place the rice in a large bowl and wash it with running water. Gently swish the rice in a circular motion until the bowl is filled with water.

Thoroughly drain the rice using a fine-mesh strainer or colander with tiny holes and repeat until the water runs almost clear.

Transfer the saffron threads to a small bowl and cover with 1/4 cup of hot water then soak the saffron for at least 5 minutes.

Heat the olive oil in a big pot over medium heat as the saffron soaks.

Add the onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, until soft and transparent then add the red bell pepper and continue to cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the minced garlic, salt, and coriander and cook until fragrant.

Add the washed and drained rice to the pot then mix thoroughly to combine. Increase heat to medium-high and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until rice is golden and toasted.

Pour the saffron threads and their soaking liquid over the top of the rice. Add 3 cups of water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth to the pot.

Bring to a boil and mix thoroughly to combine then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.

Allow the rice to boil until cooked through. Remove from heat, but still covered, and allow the rice to steam for an additional 10 minutes.

Gently fluff with a fork and season with additional salt if needed.

How to cook saffron rice in an instant pot or pressure cooker

On the SAUTE setting of your Instant Pot, begin by sautéing the onions, bell pepper, and garlic in the bowl of the pot.

Once softened, add a teaspoon of salt, coriander, and the washed rice then cook until golden.

Switch off the sauté mode then add the water or broth and soaked saffron.

Use a rice-to-water ratio of 1:1 when cooking using an instant pot. Therefore, add 2 cups of cooking liquid if the recipe calls for 2 cups of rice.

Put your Instant Pot's lid on tightly and turn the steam valve to the sealing position. After the timer is complete, natural release for 10 minutes before switching to quick release.

Carefully remove the lid and fluff with a fork.

Conclusion

Saffron is a spice made from a flower with a thread-like, delicate stigma and styles that are crimson in color. These threads are harvested, dried, and used as a seasoning and a natural food color. Saffron is well known as the priciest spice in the world.

Saffron rice goes great with a wide range of dishes, including cultural chicken and meat curries. Saffron rice boasts exquisite flavors and elegance. You have a variety of choices for meals to serve alongside rice once you get familiar with the various flavors that saffron can impart to it.