published 10/13/2020
I have never made anything with these flavors before, and it was truly incredible! Saffron is such a delicate spice and can be quite expensive, however, I bought some at Marshals or HomeGoods for around $6 and have been looking for the perfect recipe to use it in. Combined with the honey sweetened rice, this Perfectly Imperfect dish is absolutely beautiful with wonderful depths of flavor that even my 7 year old couldn’t get enough of!!
PREP TIME: 5-10 minutes
COOK TIME: 1 hour
SERVINGS: 4-5
ingredients
- 6-8 Chicken Drumsticks
- 2 TSP Tumeric
- 1/2 TSP Cumin
- 1/4 TSP Chili Powder
- 2 Cardamom Pods (smashed open for just the tiny seeds)
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1/2 TBSP Saffron Water*
- 2 TBSP Avocado Oil (or an equivalent high heat oil)
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 2 TSP Tomato Paste
- 3 cups Stock (I used Chicken)
- juice of 1/2 Lemon
- Fresh Parsley (chopped)
RICE
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 1/2 Saffron Water
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Honey or chopped Dates
*The best way to get powdered Saffron is to grind the threads with a Mortar and Pestle. You want about 1/4 TSP worth. Then sprinkle over 1 Ice Cube and allow to melt into the Saffron Water.
instructions
- Season the Chicken with Salt and Pepper and about 1/2 the Spice mix. Heat Oil in a large pan over medium high heat and brown the Chicken on all sides (about 10 minutes – 4-5 min per side.) Remove and set aside.
- Saute the Onion in the same pan for about 3-5 minutes. Season with Salt and Pepper to taste.
- Add in the Garlic and cook another minute. Add the Chicken back to the pan along with the remaining Spice mix, Stock, Tomato Paste, and about 1/2 TBSP of the Saffron Water. Increase heat and bring to a boil, then decrease and simmer for 30 minutes (15 minutes covered and 15 minutes without.) Adjust seasoning if needed.
- While the Chicken is simmering, make the Rice. Cook according to the package directions along with the other 1/2 of the Saffron Water. Then drizzle with EVOO and Honey (or add in chopped Dates if using) and season with Salt and Pepper to taste.
- Serve the Chicken over the Rice. Pour the Sauce on Top with a squeeze of Lemon juice. Garnish with Parsley and ENJOY!!
Did you try this recipe? Please share any comments or suggestions below!!
