Moroccan Saffron Rice Recipe

Elevate your next meal with this aromatic and vibrant Moroccan Saffron Rice! This easy-to-make side dish is bursting with flavor, thanks to the luxurious saffron and a hint of nutty pistachios (optional, but highly recommended!). Perfect for tagines, couscous, or enjoyed on its own.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 616.7 kcal
Protein 21g
Rating 3.0 (1 Reviews)
Moroccan Saffron Rice

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Moroccan Saffron Rice

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Moroccan Saffron Rice? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Moroccan Saffron Rice

  1. Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, bring 1 3/4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads.
  3. Let the saffron infuse in the hot water for at least 20 minutes to release its vibrant color and flavor.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, ensuring all grains are coated with oil.
  5. Pour the saffron-infused water into the saucepan. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) and stir gently to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  7. Once cooked, remove from heat and let the rice stand, covered, for at least 10 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the grains.
  8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with 1/4 cup of roughly chopped pistachios (optional).

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

14 g

Sugar

4g

Fat

23g

Carbs

33g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)