Jamie Oliver’s new show 15 Minute Meals has the most amazing and quick way to make rice! I love how saffron turns it a glorious yellow and a bit of lemon adds a little flavor in the background. Serve it up with 15 minute ratatouille and some grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of uncooked long grain rice
3 cups just boiled water
pinch salt
pinch saffron
1/2 lemon, seeds removed
Turn on the burner to medium heat, pour your rice into a saucepan, and then immediately pour the just boiled water right over top. Add a pinch of salt and saffron, then nestle the lemon right into the middle of the pan, cut side up. Cover with a lid and turn the heat down to medium low, letting it bubble away for about 10 minutes.
Take the lid off and fluff, testing to see if the water is absorbed and the grains are plump and softened. If they are still a little crunchy you can take the rice off the burner and let it sit for a few minutes to steam. If there is still quite a bit of water, cover and leave the rice for a few minutes more on the burner. Before you serve, fluff the rice with a fork, then pick up the lemon half with tongs and give it a good squeeze to release the juice, then discard the leftover lemon.
Note: Saffron, while fairly expensive to buy, adds a fantastic flavor to this dish. You only need a bit so a pinch will go a long way. You can find it in the spice aisle at your local grocery store.
Makes 4 servings
Adapted from Jamie Oliver’s 15 Minute Meals
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