Known in India as “kesar”, saffron is considered one of the most powerful spices out there in terms of taste and nutrition. Although expensive, this spice imparts a distinctive delicious flavor to countless dishes and offers many health benefits for the body. Saffron contains volatile essential oils, antioxidants, vitamins, and vital minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, zinc, and more. This nutrient-rich spice has also long been used in various therapies that promote detoxification, body healing, and even weight loss.
Try these simple saffron recipes for a satisfying meal:
Classic saffron rice
What do you need:
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1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
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2 cups of water
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1/2 cup of butter
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1/4 cup onion, minced
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1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
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1 pinch of saffron in threads
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3 drops of yellow food coloring (optional)
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter, then add the onion. Cook until the onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until onions are golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add rice, water, parsley, saffron, and food coloring. Stir to combine the ingredients and coat the rice. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for half an hour or until the water is absorbed.
Saffron shrimp with cheese and caramelized onions
What do you need:
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20 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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6 mushrooms, sliced
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1 onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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3 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
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2 tablespoons grated fresh basil
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 teaspoon of brown sugar
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1 teaspoon of paprika
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1 pinch of saffron
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Salt to taste
Melt the butter over medium heat in a skillet, then add the mushrooms, onion, and brown sugar. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the onions are golden brown. Remove from heat, transfer onions and mushrooms to a bowl, then set aside. Cook shrimp in the same skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the caramelized onions and mushrooms, sour cream, paprika, and saffron and cook until the mixture begins to simmer. Season with salt and then transfer to a serving plate. Top with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with basil leaves before serving.
Spiced Fried Eggplant with Saffron Mayonnaise
What do you need:
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4 small eggplants, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices
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2 eggs beaten
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1/2 cup of mayonnaise
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup of olive oil
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1 tablespoon of hot water
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2 teaspoons garlic powder
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1 teaspoon minced garlic
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1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 pinch of saffron
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8 sprigs of parsley to decorate
Combine the saffron with hot water and let it steep for 8-10 minutes. When ready, combine the saffron water, mayo, and minced garlic in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Dip each of the eggplant slices into the beaten egg and then into the bowl with the flour mixture. Place the eggplant on a baking sheet. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and then fry the eggplant slices until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the eggplant slices to a serving plate, garnish with parsley sprigs, and serve with saffron mayonnaise.
Take advantage of the delicious taste of saffron and its nutritional benefits with these simple saffron recipes!