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Golden Saffron Rice Bake with Spiced Meat

A fragrant baked rice dish layered with saffron-infused basmati rice and aromatic spiced meat, finished with toasted nuts and herbs.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Saffron Rice
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 0.25 tsp saffron threads
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
Spiced Meat Filling
  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground coriander
  • 0.25 cup raisins
Garnish
  • 0.25 cup toasted almonds
  • 2 tbsp parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium pot
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing spoon

Method
 

  1. Soak saffron threads in warm water for 10 minutes.
  2. Rinse basmati rice until water runs clear.
  3. Cook rice with broth, saffron water, olive oil, and salt until partially cooked.
  4. Sauté onion in olive oil until soft.
  5. Add garlic and cook briefly.
  6. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
  7. Stir in spices and raisins.
  8. Layer half the rice in a baking dish, add meat filling, then remaining rice.
  9. Cover and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
  10. Garnish with toasted almonds, parsley, and lemon juice before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a drizzle of yogurt sauce when serving.