Saffron Rice And Bean Salad Recipes

SAFFRON RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oil in medium pot on grates of grill or side burners. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add the rice and stir to coat the grains of rice with the oil.
• Place the water in a small pot and bring to a boil. Add the saffron to the onion mixture and let boil 1 minute. Add the boiling water to the rice, stir, add salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot and let cook 12 to 14 minutes or until the rice is just cooked. Let the rice sit, covered for 5 minutes then fluff with fork.
• Transfer the rice to a large bowl and add the asparagus, peppers, olives and herbs. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and a few tablespoons of aged sherry vinegar. Serve warm or at room temperature.

SAFFRON-PEA BASMATI RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are lightly golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute. Increase the heat to high, add the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, water, salt, black pepper and saffron and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice, cover, reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is tender. Stir in the peas, cover, and let the pan sit off the heat for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in the cilantro and scallions. Discard the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick and the cloves. Transfer the rice to a serving bowl and serve.

TEX-MEX BLACK BEANS & SAFFRON RICE

Steps:

• Prepare the saffron rice according to the package directions,using the amount of oil/butter and water as indicated on the package (I usually use olive oil).
• While the rice is cooking, rinse& drain the black beans in a mesh strainer to remove all the sludgey canning liquid and dump them into a small saucepan.
• Pour the entire contents of the diced tomatoes w/chili peppers,liquid and all,into the same pan with the beans and stir to combine.
• Cover the saucepan with lid,turn on the heat to low, and let bean mixture heat while the rice cooks, stirring occasionally- it should be ready when the rice is done.
• When the rice is fully cooked, pour it into a deep, medium sized casserole dish.
• Pour bean mixture into the center of the rice, leaving a border of the yellow rice peeking out arounds the sides.
• Place the sour cream in the center of the bean mixture in a dollop as a garnish (you can use more if you like).
• Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the sour cream and over the beans.
• Sprinkle with cilantro leaves (optional) if you like and serve immediately.
• NOTE: If you don't have access to canned diced tomatoes with chilis, then you can substitute an equal amount of chunky salsa, if you like.
• You may wish to provide a bowl of additional sour cream as well as a bowl of more cheese for guests to add extra to each serving, but it isn't necessary.

SAFFRON CHICKEN, BOILED LEMON AND GREEN BEAN SALAD

Steps:

• Prick the lemon in 3 or 4 places with a fork and place in a small pot with 1 teaspoon of salt and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 50 minutes or until the lemon is very tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
• In the meantime, mix the saffron, mint, garlic, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl. Pour the marinade into a sealable plastic bag, add the chicken and let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
• Steam the green beans for 4 minutes and set aside to cool. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Preheat a large skillet or grill pan which has been sprayed with cooking spray. Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Set aside to cool. Cut into bite-sized chunks.
• Slice the ends off of the lemon and slice it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp. Slice the peel thinly and then again into 1/4-inch pieces.
• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, lemon, green beans and thyme. In a small bowl combine the rest of the lemon juice and the honey, whisk in the remainder of the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

SHERRIED BLACK BEANS WITH SAFFRON RICE

Steps:

• Clean the beans, removing all stones or chaff. Rinse them well. In a pot large enough to hold the beans plus water to cover, let them soak, overnight.
• In a medium size saucepan, over medium heat, saute the salt pork just until it begins to brown. Add the onions and chiles and continue to cook until soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook, about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Drain the beans and add fresh water to cover them. Add the contents of the saucepan to the pot of beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours. Add the salt and simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, or until tender. Watch the beans carefully, and stir once or twice to be sure they do not stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Remove 1 cup of the beans, place them in a blender, and blend until smooth. Stir them back into the pot along with the sherry. Add freshly ground black pepper, and serve with Saffron Rice.
• Heat the oil in a medium size saucepan, over a medium heat. Add the rice and onion and stir until the grains are coated with oil and the onion is turning translucent. Do not allow the rice to brown. Stir in the salt and saffron, and slowly pour in the water. Cover tightly, and cook over low heat until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
• Set aside, covered, for 5 minutes. Before serving, stir well to make sure the saffron is well mixed throughout the rice.