Saffron Pea Basmati Rice Salad Food

SAFFRON BASMATI RICE

Steps:

• Rinse the rice in a colander under cold water until it runs clear, picking out any little pieces of grit or debris. Shake off the excess water. Heat a pot over medium heat, and then add the rice, oil, garlic, saffron and cayenne pepper. Stir and toast the rice until the cayenne and saffron are fragrant, about 4 minutes. Shake the pot to level out the rice, and then add the chicken stock to fill about 1/2-inch over the rice. Bring to a boil, and then lower to a simmer and cover to cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the rice stand another 5 minutes, covered. Fluff with a fork. Stir in the almond slivers and lemon zest, season with salt and pepper and serve.

SAFFRON RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oil in medium pot on grates of grill or side burners. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add the rice and stir to coat the grains of rice with the oil.
• Place the water in a small pot and bring to a boil. Add the saffron to the onion mixture and let boil 1 minute. Add the boiling water to the rice, stir, add salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot and let cook 12 to 14 minutes or until the rice is just cooked. Let the rice sit, covered for 5 minutes then fluff with fork.
• Transfer the rice to a large bowl and add the asparagus, peppers, olives and herbs. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and a few tablespoons of aged sherry vinegar. Serve warm or at room temperature.

TURKEY-BASMATI RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Heat 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the rice and 1 teaspoon curry powder, then add 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl. Let cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, whisk the lime juice, mango chutney, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl. Season the turkey with salt, pepper and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder on both sides. Toss with 1 tablespoon of the chutney dressing. Let marinate 10 minutes.
• Heat 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the turkey; cook until golden, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil to the skillet and cook the remaining turkey. Chop the turkey into bite-size pieces.
• Toss the rice with the remaining chutney dressing, the cucumbers, shallot, kale, pomegranate seeds and mint. Season with salt and pepper. Divide the rice salad among bowls and top with the turkey. Serve with more mango chutney.

SAFFRON RICE

Steps:

• Soak saffron in 1/2 cup boiling water for 20-30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, saute onions in the ghee until tender; set aside.
• Rinse the basmati under cold water in a sieve, until water runs clear, allow to drain.
• Place the rice and the onions in a saucepan and add the 1/2 cup saffron water as well as 2 1/2 cups hot water, the cardamon pods, the cloves, and the salt and pepper; stir to mix.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat then reduce heat, cover, and cook over low heat until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• If any liquid remains, drain it.
• Stir peas into mixture, if desired, as a garnish; serve.

SAFFRON STEAMED BASMATI RICE (PERSIAN POLOW)

Steps:

• Dissolve the saffron threads in 4 tablespoons hot water and set aside to soak.
• Wash the basmati rice twice and soak in salted warm water for 2-3 hours.
• Drain the water.
• Pour enough water into a large pan until pan is half-full. Bring to the boil.
• Add the drained rice and 1 tablespoon salt. Continue boiling until rice is slightly softened, about 10 minutes.
• Drain rice and wash it slightly with warm water.
• Pour 3 tablespoons of grapeseed oil into the pan and add the rice.
• Mix the remaining grapeseed oil with the saffron water and pour *half* this mixture over the rice.
• Cover pan and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. A golden crust (tadiq) will form on the bottom.
• Sprinkle the remaining saffron water and oil mixture over the rice.
• Reduce heat to low and cover the top of the pan with two layers of paper towels ( I used a double layer of muslin cloth).
• Cover pan firmly with the cover and cook 45 minutes WITHOUT removing lid.
• Remove pot from heat and let rest 5 minutes.
• Turn the rice out on a large serving platter with the golden crust on top.

SAFFRON BASMATI RICE

Steps:

• Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in a large sauté pan; add rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Discard cloves.