Saffron Vinaigrette Recipes

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER SALAD WITH SAFFRON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Arrange the cauliflower on a large, rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook, stirring, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the raisins and stir until plump, about 30 seconds. Transfer the nut mixture to a large bowl.
• Add the saffron to the skillet with the vinegar and 2 tablespoons of water. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer until the liquid reduces down to about a tablespoon. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds. Drizzle the oil mixture all over the cauliflower and toss to coat. Roast until just tender and browned in spots, about 15 minutes.
• Stir the parsley and dill into the bowl with the nuts and raisins. Add the cauliflower, season with salt and pepper and toss together. Serve warm or at room temperature.

SAFFRON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small food processor, combine lemon juice, mustard, sugar, and saffron. Blend until uniform in color. Slowly add oils and pepper, pulsing to combine.

SAFFRON POACHED SHRIMP WITH SHAVED FENNEL AND CITRUS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Remove the heads and shells from the shrimp, keeping the tails intact, and reserve. Devein the shrimp and set aside on ice.
• For poaching liquid: steep the saffron in the white wine. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until oil slides easily across the pan, add the reserved shrimp heads and shells and cook until they turn an orange-red color. Add the fennel, onion, carrot and gently brown, about 2 minutes. Using a cheese grater, gently grate the tomato into the broth and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. Add the white wine and saffron mixture, water, whole tarragon, and whole basil. Bring to a boil and reduce to a gentle simmer for 45 minutes, skimming frequently. Strain and set aside.
• For the skewers: place shrimp on a skewer, piercing through the tail and body, about 3 per skewer. Season with kosher salt.
• Return the poaching liquid to the stove and heat to a gentle simmer. Add the shrimp skewers to the liquid and cook, until the shrimp are firm and just cooked through, being careful not to over cook, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Serve on top of Shaved Fennel with Citrus Vinaigrette and garnish with fennel fronds.
• Carefully arrange fennel, avocado, and grapefruit on a plate and dress with the Citrus Vinaigrette.
• In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the garlic, honey, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, orange juice, and salt. Gradually pour the olive oil and canola oil into the mixture while whisking. Set aside.

SHERRY SAFFRON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a bowl whisk together the sugar, the saffron, the vinegar, the olive, and salt and pepper to taste, add the oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk the vinaigrette until it is emulsified.

SAUTEED CHICKEN WITH TOMATO-SAFFRON VINAIGRETTE ON FRISéE

Steps:

• Mix vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and saffron in medium bowl. Mix in 3 tablespoons oil, shallots, and 1 tablespoon thyme. Stir in tomatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken breast halves with remaining 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 tablespoon thyme, and salt and pepper. Add to skillet; sauté until cooked through, turning often, about 12 minutes. Transfer chicken to work surface. Divide frisée among 4 plates. Slice chicken; fan atop frisée. Spoon vinaigrette over.
• *White balsamic vinegar can be found at some supermarkets and specialty foods stores.

SAUTEED CHICKEN WITH TOMATO-SAFFRON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Mix vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and saffron in medium bowl.
• Mix in 3 tablespoons oil, shallots, and 1 tablespoon thyme.
• Stir in tomatoes.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sprinkle chicken breast halves with remaining 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 tablespoon thyme, and salt and pepper.
• Add to skillet and saute until cooked through, turning often, about 12 minutes.
• Transfer chicken to work surface and slice.
• Divide frisee among 4 plates and top with sliced chicken.
• Spoon vinaigrette over and serve.

RED SNAPPER WITH TOMATO-SAFFRON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Broil the snapper if you wish. I prefer to pan broil them in a heavy non-stick pan.
• First, rub salt and freshly ground pepper into the surface of the fish.
• Add a film of oil to the pan and set over medium high heat.
• Cook the fillets until done, about 3-5 minutes on each side, according to the thickness of the fish.
• When done, remove to serving a plate and keep warm.
• Heat the oil in a small skillet.
• Add the saffron and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
• Add the shallot and minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
• Add the chicken broth and cook just until the tomatoes begin to break down, about 3 minutes longer.
• Remove from the heat.
• Add the vinegar and chopped parsley and season with pepper.
• Spoon the tomato vinaigrette sauce on the fish and serve.

CRAB CAKES WITH SAFFRON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat (a French nonstick baking mat). In a medium bowl, combine crab, eggs, garlic, onion, red and green pepper, salt, thyme, rosemary, bread crumbs, Tabasco, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Cover and chill for at least 10 minutes. Shape into 5 cakes, 2 inches thick. Set aside.
• In a heavy-bottomed saute pan, heat remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add crab cakes and saute until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from saute pan and place on prepared baking sheet. Transfer to oven and bake until heated through, about 7 minutes.
• Drizzle plates with saffron vinaigrette. Garnish plates with chives and diced tomato. Top with crab cakes.