Cooking saffron flavored rice is widespread across Arabia. It is cooked in Gulf countries, Levantine countries, and some North African countries. It is usually cooked as a side dish alongside stews and roasted chicken, lamb, or vegetables. Saffron flavored rice is made in a similar manner in which plain cooked rice is made. It only differs in some ingredients, including saffron, added to the saffron flavored rice.

Preparation Time: 5 min
Cooking time: 40 min
Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon saffron
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 3 pods cardamom
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash the rice, strain it, then leave it aside.
2. Crush and soak the saffron in a quarter cup of hot water.
3. In a non-stick pan, heat the oil and roast the cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and cracked cardamom pods.
4. Add the sliced pepper and garlic. Saute for a couple of minutes.
5. Add the water and salt to the pan. Bring it to a boil.
6. Add the washed and strained rice. Allow to boil until water is mostly gone. Lower the heat.
7. Leave the rice on low heat until it is well done and fluffy.
8. Spoon 3/4 of the rice onto the serving platter. Put the remaining 1/4 in a separate bowl and add the saffron infusion to it. Mix well, and then spoon it over the white rice in the serving platter. Now the rice is partially yellow.
9. Serve it as a side dish and garnish with nuts, vegetables, or whatever you have handy.

Hints:

• You can simply add the saffron infusion to the pot before spooning the rice.
• You can use chicken or meat broth instead of water to enhance the flavor.
• Do not stir the rice before it is done, otherwise the grains will break and the final result will be gooey. You may gently fluff it with a fork when it is done cooking or the water has completely evaporated.