saffron Recipes
36 delicious saffron recipes from around the world
Albóndigas en Salsa (Spanish Meatballs in Almond-Saffron Sauce)
Tender, flavorful Spanish meatballs simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce made with ground almonds and a hint of saffron. A classic tapas dish perfect for sharing.
Bouillabaisse
Marseille's legendary fish stew - a rich, aromatic broth infused with saffron and fennel, brimming with a variety of fresh fish, traditionally served with rouille-slathered croutons.
Lussekatter (Saffron Buns)
Traditional S-shaped saffron buns, often enjoyed on Saint Lucy's Day (December 13th). The vibrant yellow hue comes from saffron, and raisins are typically used for decoration.
Paella Valenciana
Valencia's iconic rice dish, traditionally cooked with rabbit, chicken, and beans in a wide, shallow paella pan over an open flame. The goal is to achieve a perfectly toasted rice crust at the bottom, known as 'socarrat'.
Patatas a la Importancia
Patatas a la Importancia, or 'important potatoes,' is a classic Spanish tapa featuring thick-cut, egg-battered fried potatoes simmered in a fragrant saffron and garlic sauce. Despite its humble ingredients, it's a dish of surprising elegance and flavor.
Risotto alla Milanese
Milan's golden saffron risotto - creamy Arborio rice slowly cooked with bone marrow, wine, and precious saffron threads.
Chelo Kabab
Iran's national dish - saffron-scented rice with butter and grilled ground beef or lamb kebab. Simple perfection.
Zereshk Polo ba Morgh
Persian barberry rice with chicken - saffron rice jeweled with tart barberries, served with saffron chicken.
Tahdig
Persian crispy rice - the prized golden crust from the bottom of the pot. Crunch you fight over.
Joojeh Kabab
Persian chicken kebab - saffron and lemon marinated chicken. Summer grilling favorite.
Morgh Zaferani
Persian saffron chicken - chicken baked with saffron and yogurt. Golden and aromatic.
Zereshk Polo ba Morgh
Persian barberry rice with chicken - jeweled rice with tart barberries and saffron chicken.
Joojeh Kabab
Persian chicken kebab - saffron-marinated grilled chicken. The most popular kabab.
Tahchin
Persian rice cake - saffron rice with yogurt, baked until crispy. Elegant main.
Sholeh Zard
Persian saffron rice pudding - sweet rice with saffron, rose water. Votive offering.
Bastani Sonnati
Persian traditional ice cream - saffron rose water ice cream with pistachios. Summer treat.
Tahchin-e Morgh
Persian saffron rice cake - crispy rice with yogurt and chicken. Showstopper.
Joojeh Kabab
Persian saffron chicken - marinated chicken kebabs with saffron. Grill classic.
Sholeh Zard
Persian saffron rice pudding - sweet offering with almonds and cinnamon.
Tah-chin-e Mahi
Persian fish rice cake - crispy saffron rice with fish. Caspian specialty.
Bastani Sonnati (Persian Saffron Rosewater Ice Cream)
An exquisite traditional Persian ice cream, Bastani Sonnati, is a delightful summer treat. This recipe features the aromatic blend of saffron and rosewater, studded with crunchy pistachios, creating a uniquely fragrant and creamy dessert.
Chelo Kabab
Iran's national dish - fragrant saffron-scented basmati rice served with succulent grilled ground lamb kebabs. The crispy rice crust (tahdig) is a highly prized element, and the dish is traditionally finished with a raw egg yolk mixed into the hot rice and a sprinkle of sumac.
Joojeh Kabab (Persian Saffron Chicken Kebabs)
Tender and juicy Persian chicken kebabs, marinated in a vibrant blend of saffron, lemon, and yogurt, then grilled to perfection. A quintessential summer favorite, often served with fluffy rice and grilled tomatoes.
Lubia Polo (Persian Green Bean Rice)
A beloved Persian comfort food, Lubia Polo is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish featuring tender green beans and savory ground meat, often enhanced with the warm notes of turmeric and the luxurious aroma of saffron. This homestyle classic offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes.