This saffron rice recipe cooks up pretty quickly, making it a great dish if you're in a hurry - as long as you keep a few cans of coconut milk in the pantry for just such an occasion (and you do, too, right? Don't we all?). I've been known to eat an entire pot of this stuff to my head, foregoing all of the other goodness on my plate. Plus it's one of those rare dishes that gluten free AND vegan by default, so almost anyone can eat it.
Course Side
Cuisine Asian
Prep Time 5minutes
Cook Time 30minutes
Total Time 35minutes
Servings 8servings
Calories 289kcal
Author Stephanie Stiavetti
Ingredients
1/4teaspoonsaffron threads
1tablespoonSauvignon Blancroom temperature
2teaspoonspeanut oil
2cupsuncooked white basmati rice
1 3/4cupcoconut milk
2cupswater
1teaspoonsea salt
1teaspoonagave nectar(or 1/2 teaspoon of sugar)
1/2teaspoonturmeric
1/4teaspooncumin
Instructions
In a small bowl, soak saffron threads in warm wine for 5 minutes while you complete step 2.
In a large saucepan, heat peanut oil over a medium heat until it begins to shimmer, about 2 minutes. Stir in rice, mixing with a wooden spoon until all of the grains are coated with peanut oil. Fry for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Place the remaining ingredients in the pot with the rice and oil, taking care not to get caught in the napalm-like splattering that will inevitably happen. Gently stir ingredients, making sure that nothing sticks to the bottom while everything comes to a boil.
Once liquid achieves a boil, reduce heat to low. Place lid on pot, slightly askew to allow some steam to escape. Stir occasionally to make sure rice doesn't stick to bottom of pan and the sugar in the coconut milk doesn't burn.
Allow to simmer *very* gently for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender. You do not want the coconut milk, which is high in sugar, to burn.
Remove from heat and cover pot. Allow to sit for 5 minutes - it can actually sit like this for up to an hour. Fluff with a fork when you're ready to serve.
Variation: while hot, mix rice with finely chopped carrots, mint, and mango, then chill in the refrigerator for a great whole grain summer salad.