Persian Saffron Braised Chicken Food

BRAISED LEMON-SAFFRON CHICKEN AND POTATOES

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Using a mortar and pestle (or the bottom of a spoon and a bowl), grind the saffron threads into a powder as best you can. Add the 2 tablespoons hot water and stir to combine. Set aside.
• Place the chicken in a 9-by-13-inch roasting pan or baking dish. Cut large potatoes into 1-inch pieces and add to the pan. Drizzle the chicken and potatoes with the oil, then season well with salt and pepper.
• Add the lemon juice to the saffron water, mix to combine, then pour over the chicken and potatoes, stirring to coat. Arrange the chicken skin-side down. Sprinkle evenly with the whole black peppercorns, if using, then cover tightly with foil. (It's OK if everything is close together.)
• Cook until the meat is tender and easily pulled from the bone, and the potatoes are soft, about 1 1/2 hours. During the last 15 minutes, remove the foil, flip the chicken, stir the potatoes and cook for 15 minutes more, uncovered, to reduce some of the liquid.
• Season with black pepper and serve with rice or pita to soak up the lemony juices.

PERSIAN SAFFRON-BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Place saffron threads into a small bowl and crush them up a bit with a spoon. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of hot water and stir. Let bloom for about 10 minutes - the water should turn bright yellow/orange. Set aside.
• Season chicken thighs on both sides with about 1 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper.
• Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear on both sides until golden, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and place on a plate to the side. Add onion to the same skillet and cook until soft and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add saffron mixture. Season with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir to combine. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, flipping thighs halfway through cook time. Season to taste and serve with the sauce.

PERSIAN SAFFRON BRAISED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place saffron threads into a small cup or bowl and crush them up a bit with a spoon. Fill with 3-4 tablespoons of hot water, and stir. Let bloom for about 10 minutes - the water should turn bright yellow/orange. Set aside.
• Season both sides of the chicken thighs with about 1 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper.
• Heat 1 tbsp of oil on medium-high heat in a large non-stick skillet.
• Add chicken thighs and sear on both sides until golden (about 3-4 minutes each side). Remove and place on a plate to the side.
• In the same pan, add in the onions and cook on medium for 3-4 minutes, until softened and starting to color.
• Add in garlic and curry powder and stir for about a minute, until fragrant.
• Add in chicken stock/water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce to a simmer and add in saffron mixture. Season with 1 tsp salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir.
• Add chicken thighs back to the pan, cover, and let cook on low for 20 minutes, flipping thighs halfway through, and seasoning to taste.
• Remove from pan, spoon over sauce, and serve with rice, greens, or salad!