Moroccan Saffron Rice Pilaf Recipe with Vegetables

With so much emphasis on tagine and couscous in Moroccan cuisine, it may come as a surprise that rice earns a place at many Moroccan tables, showing up in salads, paellas, stuffings, and desserts. While plain rice is steamed in many homes, this delicious Moroccan side is given typical pilaf treatment by simmering the rice in broth with veggies, saffron and other Moroccan spices. It can stand alone as a satisfying side or vegetarian entree, but my usual preference is to serve it as a bed for savory Moroccan Saffron Chicken.

What You'll Need
2 cups medium or long grain rice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
1 large onion, chopped OR 1 large scallion, sliced or chopped
2 to 4 cloves garlic, pressed or finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh or frozen peas*
1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped*
1 carrot, peeled and chopped*
1 or 2 small pieces (2 to 3") of cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
4 1/2 cups (about 1 liter) of chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads

How to Make It

* You can substitute other vegetables of your choice, up to 1 cup.

1. In a sauce pan, heat the stock almost to boiling and hold warm. 

2. Heat the saffron threads carefully for a minute in a small skillet, just until dry enough to crumble. Crush them and add to the stock.

3. While the stock is heating, combine the remaining ingredients in a deep skillet or 4-quart pot. Cook the rice and vegetables over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the rice begins to color.

4. Add the stock and saffron to the rice, stirring only once. Bring the stock to a simmer and taste for salt. Adjust the seasoning as desired.

5. Cover the rice, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently and undisturbed, for about 25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

6. Fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.

Tips

• If you prefer to have a crisp-tender texture to your vegetables, saute them on the side while the rice is cooking; stir them gently into the rice just prior to serving.
• If you have picky eaters, coarsely chopping the vegetables will make it easier for them to  pushed to the side. Or, chop them very finely to help disguise them.
• For true veggie lovers, increase the quantity of vegetables and leave them extra chunky so that their full flavor can be enjoyed along with the rice.
• Some Moroccans like to wash and/or soak rice for a half hour or so to remove starches. I don't bother with more than a quick rinse, but if you do soak your rice, be sure to use slightly less cooking liquid and reduce cooking time to avoid mushy texture.

Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
Calories	496
Total Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Unsaturated Fat	10 g
Cholesterol	80 mg
Sodium	286 mg
Carbohydrates	48 g
Dietary Fiber	6 g
Protein	28 g