Saffron Rice with Raisins and Pine Nuts
A fragrant and colorful rice pilaf infused with the delicate aroma of saffron, studded with sweet raisins and crunchy pine nuts. This dish is a popular side, often served during holidays like Rosh Hashanah for good luck.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Long-grain rice
- 3 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 0.5 cup Pine nuts
- 3 Tbsp Raisins
- 2 cups Vegetable stock or water(hot)
- 0.25 tsp Saffron threads(dissolved in 2 Tbsp hot water)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a heavy saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and pine nuts and cook until the onions are translucent and the pine nuts are lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the pine nuts.
- 3
Add the rinsed rice and raisins to the pot. Stir well to coat each grain of rice with the oil and to toast them slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
- 4
Pour in the hot vegetable stock (or water) and the dissolved saffron liquid. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Small craters should appear on the surface of the rice.
- 6
Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork before serving hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using good quality saffron will significantly enhance the flavor and color.
- ✓Don't overcook the rice; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- ✓Toasted almonds can be used as an alternative to pine nuts.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of ground coriander, cinnamon, or cumin to the rice for added spice.
- Flaked almonds can be used instead of pine nuts.