Saffron-Infused Rice with Peas and Toasted Pine Nuts
A vibrant golden side dish featuring fragrant basmati rice, sweet peas, and nutty toasted pine nuts. This indian-inspired vegetarian (vegan option, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs basmati rice, water, teaspoon saffron threads for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup basmati rice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons pine nuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden brown and fragrant.
- Step 3: Fluff cooked rice with a fork, then fold in 1 cup thawed frozen peas and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Gently mix in toasted pine nuts to distribute evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Saffron-Infused Rice with Peas and Toasted Pine Nuts take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Rice with Peas and Toasted Pine Nuts?
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 Rice with Peas and Toasted Pine Nuts?
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 Rice with Peas and Toasted Pine Nuts for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Rice with Peas and Toasted Pine Nuts vegan option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan option, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
