Tag: saffrom

Saffron-Scented Chicken Pilaf

Tender, yogurt-marinaded chicken nestles into a beautifully scented bed of basmati rice and toasted, warm nuts.

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
3/4 cup whole milk yogurt
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. saffron threads
4 cups chicken stock
1 tbs. butter
2-3 tsp. vegetable oil
2 1/4 cups basmati rice
3-4 cardamom pods, bruised
juice and zest of 1 lemon
scant 1/4 cup cashew nuts, toasted
scant 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
2 tbs. pine nuts, toasted
3-4 tbs. shelled pistachio nuts, toasted
small bunch fresh parsley, chopped

In a medium bowl, stir together the chicken, yogurt, juice of 1/2 lemon and cinnamon. Toss well and chill for at least an hour. Soak the saffron threads in the stock.

Over a medium heat, in a pot that has a lid, melt the butter along with 1 tbs. of the oil. Add the rice and stir to coat. Pour in the saffron laced stock, add the cardamon pods,  juice and zest of 1 lemon, then cover and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, by which time the rice should be tender and the liquid absorbed.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a skillet and cook the chicken in batches. This will allow it to brown, rather than stew.

When the rice is cooked, take it off the heat and fork in the chicken and nuts. Spoon into a serving bowl and scatter over the parsley.

Serves 6

 

 

Yellow Spaghetti

This lovely recipe is similar to carbonara with a dash of Marsala.

1/4 tsp. saffron threads
3 tbs. Marsala
8 oz. spaghetti
2 eggs
`1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbs. heavy cream
1 tbs. softened butter

Put a plentiful pot of water on to boil. When boiling, salt liberally and tip in the spaghetti. Cook according to the package directions.

In a tiny saucepan, heat the saffron and Marsala to a bubble, then remove from the heat and set aside to steep.

While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the eggs, cheese and cream, then add a sprinkling of salt and a good grinding of pepper. Set aside.

When the pasta is done, remove a cupful of the cooking water, then drain. Return to the pot and toss with 2 tbs. of the pasta water, the saffron/Marsala mixture and the butter. Tip in the egg mixture and toss gently. Add more pasta water if needed to make a smooth sauce. Check the seasonings and serve.

Serves 2