We're always looking for easy meal upgrades that make cooking satisfying weeknight meals a no-brainer. Sometimes that means trying a new technique, like pressure cooking; other times it means introducing a new spice, like ginger. But nothing makes a meal feel instantly more elegant and refined than just a pinch of saffron. The stamens of crocus plants, saffron threads are hand-picked, and a little pricy, but totally worth it. Just a pinch of saffron lends a unique aroma and irresistible flavor to the 12 recipes below.
Saffron Rice Pilaf With Chicken
Chicken and rice is always a comforting dish, but in this case, it gets a little fancier. This chicken pilaf dish is infused with saffron, then tossed with dried fruits, cashews, and herbs to make a more complex dish. (via Nutrizonia)
Homemade Tagliatelle With Saffron Zucchini
Homemade tagliatelle will change your pasta game forever. Pair it with a flavorful zucchini sauté that will complement but not overwhelm the tender noodles. (via Healthy World Cuisine)
Cuban Arroz Con Pollo
This fresh rice and chicken dish is a one-pot cook, making it super easy to bring the heat even if you don't have a lot of time. (via Cilantro Parsley)
Creamy Pork Chops With Saffron Mascarpone Sauce
Boneless pork chops are a go-to weeknight option, thanks to their quick cooking time and big flavor. A creamy sauce elevates the dish so it tastes like more than just a quick meal. (via Italian Recipe Book)
Julia Child's Bouillabaisse
Move over clam chowder — there's a better soup on the table. A saffron-infused fish stock is the base of this elegant stew made with shrimp, flaky white fish, and mussels. (via Family Style Food)
Saffron Pasta With Chicken, Eggplant, and Bell Pepper
Sautéed eggplant and bell pepper add hearty texture to this pasta recipe. Add some chicken on the side for extra protein, and pine nuts on top for crunch. (via Pinch Me I'm Eating)
Whole Grain Persian Jeweled Pilaf
Use a blend of healthy whole grains to make this pilaf. Nuts, fruits, and spices keep each bite interesting within this comfort meal. (via At the Corner of Happy and Harried)
Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Chicken thighs become meltingly tender when gently cooked in a tagine or Dutch oven. Marinating them before they cook in a blend of aromatics will pack each bite full of flavor. Top this simple dish with olives and preserved lemons for the ultimate dinner. (via White Plate Blank Slate)
Homemade Moussaka
Flavors of saffron, red wine, cinnamon, and turmeric come together in this layered Greek dish. It also features eggplant, ground turkey, veggies, and a creamy topping of potatoes and cheesy yogurt. (via Simply Sophisticated Cooking)
Angel Hair Crab Cakes With Saffron Aioli
Crispy angel hair pasta delicately cradles crab meat to make these delicious seafood cakes. The accompanying saffron aioli is so good, you'll want to put it on everything. (via Rhubarb and Cod)
Meyer Lemon Saffron Risotto With Wild Mushrooms
This hearty risotto dish comes together in under an hour, and is definitely going to impress anyone with its deep saffron and mushroom flavors. (via Chef Bai)
Quick Shrimp Rogan Josht With Saffron Basmati Rice
Curry dishes are a super cozy option during the winter months. Try out this abridged version of Rogan Josht for bold flavors that come together in a pinch. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Skinny Greek Feta Fries With Roasted Garlic Saffron Aioli
You had us at fries. This crunchy combo is the perfect side dish that delivers a kick of saffron. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Crispy Persian Rice (Tahdig)
Dig into some comforting flavors and a unique texture with this caramelized basmati and saffron rice dish. Serve as a side or main dish and simply enjoy! (via Feel Good Foodie)
Shrikhand Tart
This sweet yogurt-based tart blends cardamom and saffron to create a fresh Indian-inspired flavor. (via Signature Concoctions)
Pasta Paella
We adore a pasta dish. Try out this noodle-based paella recipe that embraces seafood flavors perfect for the summer. (via Cilantro Parsley)
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This article has been updated.
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Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
