Saffron-Infused Rice 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 developed and reviewed.

Fluffy basmati rice delicately flavored with saffron and enriched with crunchy toasted almonds and sweet raisins, a classic accompaniment to Middle Eastern dishes. This Middle Eastern-inspired rice and grain recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs basmati rice, water, saffron threads for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 5, 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: 20 min Serves 5 Middle Eastern cuisine 250 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups basmati rice under cold running water until water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 20 minutes, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, steep 1/4 tsp saffron threads in 2 tbsp hot water for 10 minutes to release color and aroma.
  3. Step 3: In a medium pot, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup slivered almonds and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Add 1/3 cup golden raisins and cook for another 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained rice to the pot with almonds and raisins, stirring gently to coat the grains in butter.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 cups water, the saffron infusion with threads, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  6. Step 6: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Related recipes