One Pot Simple Moroccan Saffron Rice Pilaf
One Pot Simple Moroccan Saffron Rice Pilaf is a vibrant and aromatic dish that captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine in a single pot. This easy-to-make pilaf combines fragrant basmati rice with saffron, warm spices, and sweet dried fruits, resulting in a comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served alongside grilled chicken or enjoyed as a vegetarian option, this pilaf is sure to impress with its beautiful colors and delightful flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, it embodies the warmth and richness of Moroccan cooking with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup white Basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 strands of saffron
- ¼ cup boiling water (for saffron infusion)
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 white onion (finely chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground fennel
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup mixed dried fruits (apricots, raisins, cherries)
- ¼ cup toasted almonds (chopped)
- ¼ cup toasted pistachios (chopped)
Instructions
- Bloom the saffron: Steep saffron strands in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the rice: Rinse Basmati rice under cold water until clear.
- Sauté onions: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat and soften the onions for about 5 minutes.
- Add spices: Stir in garlic and spices; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the rice: Add rinsed rice, saffron infusion, additional water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15–18 minutes until absorbed.
- Incorporate dried fruits: Turn off heat and let dried fruits rest on top without stirring for 10 minutes.
- Finish: Stir in toasted nuts and fluff with a fork before serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg