Saffron Rice With Almonds
A fragrant saffron rice dish studded with almonds, raisins, and tender vegetables, perfect for special occasions or flavorful weeknight dinners that impress with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter ⓘ
- 3/4 cup slivered blanched almonds
- 1 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 2 cups raw long-grain white rice ⓘ
- 2 3/4 cups homemade chicken stock or canned broth ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- generous pinch saffron
- 1/3 cup golden raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- When hot, sauté celery and onions until lightly coated with butter, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken stock, salt, pepper, and saffron.
- Stir in the raisins and almonds.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered casserole dish, cover, and bake at 350°F until all liquid is absorbed, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- This dish can be kept warm in a 250°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the nutty flavor of the almonds, consider toasting them lightly before adding them to the dish. If you're out of saffron, a combination of turmeric and paprika can offer a similar color and flavor profile, though it won't replicate the exact taste. For a twist, try adding spices like cumin or cardamom, which can complement Mediterranean recipes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this saffron rice alongside grilled meats like Herb Garlic Grilled Chicken or seafood dishes such as Shrimp In White Wine for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Mediterranean Chicken And Rice, making it a delightful centerpiece for a larger spread. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the rice in a saucepan with a splash of water or chicken stock over medium heat, stirring until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, adding a little liquid to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saffron Rice With Almonds contains roughly 625 calories, with 10g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1865mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Generally, brown rice needs about 1.5 times the liquid and a cooking time of about 50-60 minutes. Adjust the chicken stock accordingly, and check for doneness before serving.
What can I substitute for golden raisins?
If you don't have golden raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots can make excellent substitutes, adding a nice sweetness and texture. Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits based on your preference or what you have available in your pantry.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this saffron rice vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying, perfect for those following a vegan diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).