Go Back
Cava Saffron Basmati Rice Recipe

Cava Saffron Basmati Rice Recipe

This Cava Saffron Basmati Rice is light, fluffy, and full of delicate flavor. Made with fragrant basmati rice, real saffron threads, onion, and broth, it delivers a beautiful golden color and aromatic taste that pairs perfectly with Mediterranean-inspired meals and homemade grain bowls.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern Middle Eastern
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Basmati Rice Rinsed until water runs clear
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock Or vegetable broth
  • 1 small Yellow Onion Finely diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 pinch Saffron Threads Good-quality saffron
  • 3 tablespoons Warm Water For blooming saffron
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Optional
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Optional for serving

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Saucepan with Lid For cooking rice
  • 1 Fine Mesh Strainer For rinsing rice
  • 1 Small bowl For blooming saffron
  • 1 Measuring cup set Accurate measurements
  • 1 Wooden spoon Stirring ingredients
  • 1 Fork Fluffing rice

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Place the basmati rice in a bowl and rinse several times under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.
    Cava Saffron Basmati Rice Recipe
Step 2:
  1. Add the saffron threads to a small bowl. Pour the warm water over them and let sit for 10 minutes until the liquid turns golden.
    Cava Saffron Basmati Rice Recipe
Step 3:
  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
    Cava Saffron Basmati Rice Recipe
Step 4:
  1. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and toast for 2 minutes while stirring gently. Pour in the stock, saffron water, salt, and black pepper. Stir once to combine.
    Cava Saffron Basmati Rice Recipe
Step 5:
  1. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18–20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, add lemon juice if desired, and serve warm.
    Cava Saffron Basmati Rice Recipe

Notes

• Always bloom saffron before adding it to the rice for the best flavor and color.
• Use high-quality saffron threads instead of saffron powder.
• Keep the lid closed during cooking to prevent steam from escaping.
• Leftover rice can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Perfect with grilled chicken, lamb, salmon, falafel, or Mediterranean bowls.