Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Saffron comes from the saffron crocus, which grows in parts of Spain, Southern France, and Iran. It’s known for its turmeric-like aroma and its distinctive crimson color.
Traditionally, saffron has flavored sweets, desserts, rice dishes, stews, and soups. However, saffron also has many other uses apart from just flavoring food.
This article will discuss some of the foods that go well with saffron.
13 Delicious Ideas For Saffron recipes
Saffron is a spice that gives food a unique flavor, making it a popular ingredient in many dishes. The world's most expensive spice is used as a dye and seasoning. This versatile spice can be used to add flavor to any dish, but it pairs well with certain ingredients more than others.
Saffron Rice
Saffron is often used in Indian and Mediterranean cuisines, which means it goes well with rice. You can use saffron to make your recipe or buy pre-made saffron rice from an Asian or Indian grocery store or online.
A simple recipe for saffron rice includes 1 cup of basmati rice, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons of water. Add these ingredients to a saucepan and bring them to a boil over high heat. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
Lamb Kabobs
Lamb kabobs can be prepared using either ground lamb or chunks of boneless lamb meat. Saffron makes an excellent seasoning for these kebabs because it gives them an exotic flavor while adding color.
To make the kabobs, marinate the lamb in olive oil and lemon juice overnight before threading them onto skewers and grilling over hot coals until done to your liking.
Fish Biryani
Biryani is a traditional Indian rice dish that combines different meat or vegetables with a seasoned rice mixture called biryani masala. Saffron is an essential ingredient in this spice blend because it gives the dish its signature yellow coloration and adds depth to its flavor profile.
If you are serving fish biryani at home or in your restaurant, consider adding saffron to the rice mixture before cooking so that it will absorb some of the flavors of this aromatic spice. In contrast, it cooks in the oven or on the stovetop.
Spicy courgettes with saffron risotto
This risotto recipe is perfect for vegetarians who want something filling but don't want to sacrifice taste or nutrition. Saffron gives this dish an exotic flavor while keeping things light with fresh veggies like tomatoes and bell peppers.
Autumn vegetable salad with saffron dressing
This salad combines sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets with arugula for a healthy meal perfect for fall weather. The dressing adds even more flavor to the salad, thanks to its combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and some fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, and rosemary for their antioxidant properties.
Saffron gives this dish an extra kick!
Indian pancakes with saffron & rosewater cream (malpua & rabri)
A traditional Indian sweet, malpua is a pancake made of wheat flour, milk, and sugar. It’s usually deep-fried but can also be baked or steamed.
Malpua is served with rabri, a thickened milk made by boiling milk on low heat for hours until all the water has evaporated and only condensed milk remains. Malpuas are often served during Diwali as they symbolize prosperity and good fortune.
Shellfish, orzo & saffron stew
A classic Italian dish made with orzo pasta, shellfish, vegetables, and saffron to add flavor and color to this dish! Orzo is similar to rice but smaller in size and more firm than other types of pasta. It’s used frequently in soups because it can hold up under high heat without getting mushy like other pastas can do when boiled for extended periods.
Salt cod fritters with saffron allioli
Salt cod fritters with saffron allioli is a traditional Spanish dish that combines the flavors of white wine, garlic and olives. The fish is baked in the oven until it becomes soft and flaky, mixed with mashed potatoes, and fried until golden brown. Serve with a dollop of saffron aioli for an extra kick of flavor.
Saffron, pistachio & white chocolate cookies
White chocolate is a delicate ingredient that can easily get overpowered by other flavors. To ensure your white chocolate cookies don’t lose their unique taste, add some saffron to the batter before baking them for maximum flavor impact!
Saffron seafood pasta
This Italian recipe uses pasta and seafood to create a simple and delicious dish. It is not the most complicated dish, but it does require patience because of the saffron crostini topping.
Crab & saffron risotto
This recipe is for risotto with crab meat and saffron. Risotto is made with rice and cooked in broth until tender and creamy. It’s then topped with cheese and baked until browned on top. This recipe takes a little longer than others because of the risotto-making process, but it’s worth it for the finished product!
Saffron Chicken with Coriander Dip
This recipe is simple to make and only requires three ingredients: chicken breast, lemon juice, and saffron threads. This recipe combines chicken cooked with saffron and other herbs and spices with a coriander dip that adds an extra layer of flavor. The dip can be served as an appetizer or side dish alongside rice or flatbreads like naan or roti bread. The coriander dip adds a freshness to the dish that makes it perfect for serving on hot summer days.
Saffron chicken korma
This recipe uses more saffron than Saffron chicken with coriander dip, so it has more of an intense flavor. It also contains less cream, so it's healthier than the coriander dip chicken dish above. The best part about this recipe is that it's easy to make, but it looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen preparing it!
Conclusion
Saffron is a costly spice and is hard to find. It is usually used in desserts and sweet recipes, but you can also use it in savory dishes. Saffron is an exciting spice with several uses and different types from different plants. The foods that go well with saffron will be very different depending on its kind and grade. Consider these when choosing your recipe to ensure that you have the right amount of saffron and combine it with foods that go well with it.