Armenian Saffron Rice Pilaf with Nuts
A fragrant and elegant rice pilaf, infused with the golden hue and delicate aroma of saffron. This classic Armenian side dish features fluffy long-grain rice, toasted nuts for texture, and a hint of butter for richness. It's a versatile accompaniment to many main courses.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Long-grain white rice
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/4 tsp Saffron threads, ground or steeped
- 3 cups Chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Toasted slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup Toasted sesame seeds
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Toast the almonds and sesame seeds: Spread the almonds and sesame seeds on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Watch closely to prevent burning, as nuts and seeds can toast quickly. - 2
Rinse the rice: Rinse the long-grain rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
💡 Tip: Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky. - 3
Melt the butter in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grains are coated with butter and slightly translucent.
💡 Tip: Coating the rice grains in butter helps them stay separate during cooking. - 4
Add the chicken broth (or water), saffron, and salt to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
💡 Tip: Using chicken broth adds more flavor than water. - 5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during simmering to maintain steam and even cooking. - 6
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the toasted almonds and sesame seeds. Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and then replace the lid for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fluff up.
💡 Tip: The towel absorbs excess moisture, ensuring a fluffy pilaf. - 7
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
💡 Tip: This pilaf is a perfect side dish for roasted meats, poultry, or fish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If using saffron threads, steep them in a tablespoon of warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the pot for better color and flavor distribution.
- ✓Feel free to add other nuts like pistachios or walnuts, or dried fruits like raisins or currants.
- ✓Ensure your pot has a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam effectively.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a bay leaf to the cooking liquid for an extra layer of aroma.
- Stir in fresh chopped parsley or dill just before serving for a touch of freshness.
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of butter and olive oil.