Lime Saffron Rice

Lime Saffron Rice Recipe - Long-Grain Rice with Chicken Broth and Cilantro

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lime Saffron Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the zesty taste of lime with the delicate flavor of saffron. This dish is perfect as a side dish or as a main course, and is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant colors and bold flavors.

History

Lime Saffron Rice is a popular dish in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where saffron is often used to add color and flavor to rice dishes. The addition of lime juice gives this dish a refreshing and tangy twist, making it a unique and delicious option for any meal.

Ingredients

1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice
1.75 cups of chicken broth
0.5 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of ground saffron
1 tbsp of melted butter
3 tbsp of fresh lime juice
1 tbsp of chopped cilantro
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Combine rice, broth, salt, and saffron in a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan. Heat the mixture until it boils, stirring once or twice.
Reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the butter, lime juice, and cilantro.
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or peas for added color and flavor.
Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use high-quality saffron for the best flavor and color in this dish.

- Be careful not to overcook the rice, as it can become mushy.

- Adjust the amount of lime juice and cilantro to suit your personal taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lime Saffron Rice as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a main course with a side of vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the rice from burning or sticking to the bottom.

- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version of this dish.

- Substitute lemon juice for lime juice if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with additional fresh cilantro or lime wedges for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Lime Saffron Rice with grilled shrimp skewers or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 0g

Fats

- Total Fat: 3g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 6mg

- Iron: 1mg

- Calcium: 20mg

- Potassium: 100mg

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (rice).

Summary

This Lime Saffron Rice dish is a good source of carbohydrates and fats, with a moderate amount of protein. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and delicious option for any meal.

Summary

Lime Saffron Rice is a delicious and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this dish is perfect for any occasion and is a great way to add some variety to your meals. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria had just returned from a trip to India, and she was eager to share with me the culinary treasures she had discovered during her journey.

As soon as she mentioned Lime Saffron Rice, my interest was piqued. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was intrigued by the combination of flavors. Maria explained that the dish was a traditional Indian recipe, made with fragrant basmati rice, tangy lime juice, and delicate saffron threads. She had learned how to make it from a local chef in a bustling street market in Mumbai.

Maria handed me a small notebook filled with handwritten notes and sketches of the recipe. The pages were stained with spices and splattered with lime juice, evidence of her culinary adventures in India. As I flipped through the pages, I could almost smell the exotic aromas wafting from the kitchen.

Maria guided me through the steps of preparing the Lime Saffron Rice, her hands deftly measuring out the ingredients and stirring the pot with practiced ease. The kitchen was filled with the sweet scent of saffron and the zesty aroma of fresh lime zest. I watched in awe as Maria transformed simple ingredients into a vibrant and flavorful dish that was as beautiful to look at as it was delicious to eat.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria shared with me the stories behind the recipe. She told me about the bustling markets of Mumbai, where vendors sold colorful spices and aromatic herbs in vibrant displays. She described the bustling streets filled with the sounds of sizzling pans and the tantalizing scents of street food being cooked on open fires. I could almost taste the flavors of India in every bite of the Lime Saffron Rice.

After that day, I became obsessed with the recipe. I spent hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different variations and perfecting the flavors. I added toasted cashews for crunch, fresh cilantro for brightness, and a pinch of cumin for depth. Each time I made the dish, I felt a connection to Maria and the exotic lands she had visited.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, delighting in their reactions as they tasted the Lime Saffron Rice for the first time. I taught my grandchildren how to make it, passing down the recipe like a precious heirloom. And every time I prepare the dish, I am transported back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of India.

The recipe for Lime Saffron Rice has become a beloved tradition in my family, a symbol of my passion for cooking and my love for exploring new flavors and cuisines. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And as I continue to cook and share this dish with others, I am grateful for the culinary adventures that have enriched my life and brought me closer to the world around me.