Moroccan Saffron Rice

Transport your taste buds to North Africa with this vibrant Moroccan Saffron Rice recipe, a stunning side dish or light main course bursting with aromatic spices and irresistible textures. Fragrant saffron infuses the rice with its signature golden hue and delicate flavor, perfectly complemented by the warmth of cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric. Tender grains are elevated by the sweet pop of golden raisins, the crunch of toasted slivered almonds, and the fresh brightness of chopped parsley. Quick and easy with just 10 minutes of prep and ready in under 30 minutes, this gluten-free dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or hearty vegetable stews. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this saffron rice recipe is an elegant way to bring Moroccan flair to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3.5 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoons saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 0.5 cups golden raisins
• 0.5 cups slivered almonds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2

In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water. Set aside to bloom while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and ground turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

Step 5

Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains in the oil and spices.

Step 6

Pour in the water, add the soaked saffron along with the soaking liquid, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 8

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and finish cooking.

Step 9

Fluff the rice with a fork and gently fold in the golden raisins, toasted slivered almonds, and chopped parsley.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish or a light, aromatic main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1536.3 grams (1536.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1428

Total Fat 60.30g	77%
Saturated Fat 7.00g	35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2425mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate 204.70g	74%
Dietary Fiber 15.00g	54%
Total Sugars 59.70g
Protein 28.10g	56%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 402mg	31%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 1484mg	32%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.8%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 55.6%