Skip to main content
Epicurious
Bon Appétit

Saffron Rice and Red Pepper Pilaf

4.4

(64)

Using the risotto method with long-grain rice yields rich flavor and light texture.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

5 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups chopped red bell peppers
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cups basmati rice or other long-grain white rice
3 cups (or more) low-salt chicken broth
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon (generous) crushed saffron threads
6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Parmesan cheese shavings

Preparation

  1. Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add peppers and onion. Sauté until soft, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add rice; stir 1 minute. Mix in 3 cups broth, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and saffron. Bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until liquid is absorbed, about 18 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in 6 tablespoons grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper. (Pilaf can be made 30 minutes ahead. Keep covered. Rewarm over low heat, adding more broth by tablespoonfuls to moisten if necessary.) Stir 1 1/2 tablespoons chives into pilaf. Mound in serving bowl. Top with cheese shavings and remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons chives.

TagsPilafBasmati RiceRiceRice & GrainsBell PepperVegetableParmesanCheeseDairyChiveHerbs & SpicesSideDinnerGluten FreeNut FreeEasySimmerBon Appétit
Read More
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in May
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Whole Lemon Bars
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Grilled Salmon With Dill Chimichurri
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
Grilled Steak With Spicy Peanut Dressing
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
Charred Vegetable Ragù
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
Miso-Peanut Hibachi Chicken
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.