Saffron-Infused Iraqi Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Raisins

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

Fluffy basmati rice delicately infused with saffron, studded with golden toasted almonds and sweet raisins for a fragrant side dish. This Middle Eastern-inspired rice and grain recipe, ready in about 50 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 280 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: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear, then soak in cold water for 20 minutes. Drain well.
  2. Step 2: Soak 1/2 tsp saffron threads in 2 tbsp hot water for 10 minutes to release color and aroma.
  3. Step 3: In a large pot, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add drained rice to the pot and stir gently for 2 minutes to coat grains with butter and toast slightly.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 1/2 cups water, the saffron infusion with threads, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  6. Step 6: When boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Step 7: Remove pot from heat and let rice steam, covered, for another 10 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Fluff rice gently with a fork, then fold in 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds and 1/4 cup golden raisins. Serve warm alongside main dishes.

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