Pomegranate Saffron Rice Recipes

MIDDLE EASTERN RICE PILAF WITH POMEGRANATE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat and cook onion until soft and translucent. Add rice and toast until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in hot vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add saffron and allspice, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.
• Toast pistachios in a skillet over medium heat until nuts start to turn golden brown and become fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes. Set aside.
• Stir butter into the cooked rice. Remove from heat and mix in pistachios and pomegranate seeds. Fluff with fork and season with salt and pepper.

POMEGRANATE SAFFRON RICE

Steps:

• Heat oil at medium heat, then add onion pieces. Saute for about 5 minutes while occasionally scraping the pan. Add serrano pieces, stirring frequently for another minute. Watch out for the fumes, as these capsaicin in these peppers is quite potent.
• Add uncooked rice and stir to coat with the oil. Cook for another 3 minutes or so, stirring occasionally.
• Add vegetable stock and stir thoroughly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 30 minutes or so, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the liquids have been absorbed.
• Stir in turmeric, saffron threads, lemon zest, and vandevi, and cook for another minute.
• For tips on seeding the pomegranate, refer to my Pomegranate Mango Chutney recipe (http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/mango-pomegranate-chutney-526092).
• Remove from heat. Strain pomegranate seeds to remove excess juices, then stir the seeds into the rice. Stir in salt, and add more to taste if desired. Serve immediately.