Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf

Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf Recipe from Oman - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the richness of saffron with the tanginess of tomatoes. This dish is perfect for special occasions or as a side dish to complement a variety of main courses.

History

Rice pilaf has been a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. The addition of saffron and tomatoes to the traditional rice pilaf recipe adds a unique twist to this classic dish, creating a vibrant and colorful dish that is as delicious as it is visually appealing.

Ingredients

450 g/1 lb basmati rice, well-rinsed and soaked for half an hour
1 large onion, chopped
1 large clove of garlic, crushed
2 tbsp olive oil
A good pinch of saffron strands, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped (peeled if desired)
2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander (or cilantro or parsley)
0.25 tsp each of the following powdered spices: cardamom, cinnamon, red or black pepper
0.33 cup of toasted vermicelli, broken into small pieces if necessary (vermicelli can be toasted by roasting in a dry skillet over medium heat while stirring constantly)
chicken broth (Measure out the rice with a cup. The appropriate amount of chicken broth is double the quantity of rice.)

How to prepare

Saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until the onions are golden.
Add the tomatoes, chopped coriander, and spices.
Fry for one minute.
Add the rice, toasted vermicelli, and saffron threads soaked in water.
Add the chicken broth.
Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the liquid is absorbed into the rice and the top of the rice is at the same level as the liquid, reduce the heat to low.
Cover and cook until all of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the rice from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork.
If desired, add a tablespoon of butter at this time.
Serve and enjoy.

Variations

Add cooked chickpeas or lentils for added protein.
Substitute quinoa or couscous for the basmati rice.
Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse and soak the basmati rice before cooking to ensure fluffy and separate grains.

- Toasting the vermicelli adds a nutty flavor and texture to the dish.

- Soaking the saffron threads in water helps to release their flavor and color.

- Fluffing the rice with a fork after cooking helps to separate the grains and prevent clumping.

Serving Suggestions

Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

Saute the onions and garlic until golden to develop flavor.

- Cover the rice and simmer on low heat to ensure fluffy and perfectly cooked grains.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute chopped cilantro for parsley for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf 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 the Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf with a side of Greek yogurt or cucumber raita to balance the flavors. Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing mint tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf 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

Each serving of Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf contains approximately 45g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf contains approximately 5g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf contains approximately 6g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Saffron is rich in antioxidants and may provide health benefits such as improved mood and reduced inflammation. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (vermicelli) and may contain traces of nuts if toasted in the same skillet.

Summary

Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and delicious choice for a meal.

Summary

Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for special occasions or as a side dish to complement a variety of main courses. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had passed down many recipes to me over the years. But this one, the saffron and tomato rice pilaf, was something new and exciting.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was walking through the village market, taking in all the sights and smells of the bustling stalls. As I passed by the spice merchant's booth, a beautiful aroma caught my attention. It was the scent of saffron, a spice I had never used before. Intrigued, I stopped to ask the merchant about it.

He smiled and told me about the exotic spice, how it was prized for its vibrant color and unique flavor. He also mentioned that saffron was often used in rice dishes, adding a rich and luxurious touch. I was fascinated and knew I had to try it in my cooking.

That night, I went home and searched through my grandmother's old recipe books, looking for a dish that would showcase the saffron. And that's when I found it – the recipe for saffron and tomato rice pilaf. It was a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner.

I set to work gathering the ingredients – fragrant basmati rice, ripe tomatoes, aromatic saffron threads, and a handful of fresh herbs from my garden. As I chopped and stirred, I could feel my grandmother's presence beside me, guiding my hand and whispering words of encouragement.

The dish came together beautifully, the rice turning a gorgeous golden hue as the saffron infused its flavor. The tomatoes added a burst of freshness, while the herbs lent a subtle earthiness to the dish. I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

When I served the saffron and tomato rice pilaf to my family that night, their eyes lit up with delight. They marveled at the exotic flavors and rich colors, savoring each bite with joy. My grandmother beamed with pride, knowing that her love of cooking had been passed down to me.

From that day on, the saffron and tomato rice pilaf became a staple in our home. I would make it for special occasions, for family gatherings, or just as a comforting meal on a cold winter's night. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who had come before me, sharing their culinary wisdom and passion for food.

And so, whenever I make the saffron and tomato rice pilaf, I am reminded of that fateful day in the village market, of the spice merchant who introduced me to saffron, and of my grandmother who taught me the joy of cooking. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And for that, I am forever grateful.