One Pot Simple Moroccan Saffron Rice Pilaf
Discover the vibrant flavors of One Pot Simple Moroccan Saffron Rice Pilaf, a delightful dish that transports your taste buds to the heart of Morocco. This easy-to-make pilaf features nutty basmati rice infused with saffron and aromatic spices, complemented by sweet dried fruits and crunchy nuts. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this one-pot meal simplifies preparation and clean-up while delivering an impressive burst of flavor. With its colorful presentation and nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dining table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup white Basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 strands of saffron
- 1 white onion (finely chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (finely minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground fennel
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup mixed dried fruits (apricots, raisins, cherries)
- ¼ cup toasted almonds (chopped)
- ¼ cup toasted pistachios (chopped)
Instructions
- Bloom saffron by steeping strands in ¼ cup boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Rinse Basmati rice under cold water until clear to remove excess starch.
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat; sauté onions until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and spices; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in rinsed rice; coat with spices for about 3 minutes.
- Pour in saffron-infused water and additional water; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until absorbed.
- Turn off heat; lay dried fruits on top without stirring. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and stir in toasted almonds and chopped pistachios before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg