Saffron-Infused Basmati Rice Pilaf with Toasted Pine Nuts and Raisins

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fragrant basmati rice gently cooked with saffron and aromatic spices, studded with toasted pine nuts and sweet golden raisins. This middle eastern-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs basmati rice, water, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear, then soak in cold water for 30 minutes and drain.
  2. Step 2: Soak 1/2 tsp saffron threads in 2 tbsp hot water for 10 minutes to release color and flavor.
  3. Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup pine nuts and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, then remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium finely chopped onion to the butter and cook for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent.
  5. Step 5: Stir in drained rice, 1.5 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground cardamom; cook for 2 minutes, stirring gently to coat rice with butter and spices.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 3.5 cups water and the saffron infusion, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and water absorbed.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork, then fold in 1/3 cup golden raisins and the toasted pine nuts before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Saffron-Infused Basmati Rice Pilaf with Toasted Pine Nuts and Raisins take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (40 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Saffron-Infused Basmati Rice Pilaf with Toasted Pine Nuts and Raisins?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep basmati rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Saffron-Infused Basmati Rice Pilaf with Toasted Pine Nuts and Raisins?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Saffron-Infused Basmati Rice Pilaf with Toasted Pine Nuts and Raisins for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Saffron-Infused Basmati Rice Pilaf with Toasted Pine Nuts and Raisins vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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