This is a recipe that happened as a result of a happy accident.  We love a simple Saffron Rice with any kind of seafood or simple chicken dish.  So having made the Saffron rice the night before, there were some leftovers the next day.

I decided to reheat the rice in a pan with a bit of butter, and threw in a couple of eggs to scramble in the rice.  Next, I added a few dollops of salsa.  Unbelievable, and out of this world flavor.  Who knew Saffron could work so well with a bit of salsa?  It was heaven.

Now a word about Saffron.  It is considered the most expensive spice in the world, and rightly so given how it is grown and harvested.  That said, the quality of Saffron will vary depending on the region it is grown.  My two favorites are Persian Saffron, and Indian Saffron.  It is worth every penny finding quality Saffron and it certainly makes a huge difference in depth of flavor.

In terms of rice - Basmati Rice is my personal favorite.  In this recipe I did something a little bit different.  To a 3/4 cup measuring cup, add 1/4 par boiled whole brown rice, then top up with regular Basmati rice.  Give a good rinse, and allow to dry in the colander.

If you have Basmati rice alone that will work no problem without the added par boiled brown rice.

Also, in this recipe, I infused oil with garlic and onion first, then removed the garlic and onion to let the Saffron shine, with a hint of the garlic and onion.  Saffron in this dish comes first and foremost!

This is a dish we could eat for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, in fact it is going to be our dinner tonite served with a garden salad loaded with veggies.  This served 2 for dinner with enough leftover Saffron rice for my breakfast tomorrow...happy days!

Saffron Rice Recipe:

2 Tblsp. Avocado Oil

1/4 onion, any kind, roughly chopped

2 large garlic cloves cut in half

3/4 cup Basmati Rice (1/4 of it being par boiled brown rice) (make sure to rinse and drain well in a colander and allow to dry - let sit a good hour or so)

good pinch of Saffron - here we used Persian

1 cup chicken stock, plus 1/2 cup water

salt and fresh cracked pepper

Heat the Avocado oil on low heat.  Add in the onion and garlic, saute for 5 min. until lightly golden, then remove with a slotted spoon and discard.  Add the rice, and Saffron to the oil and stir for 1-2 minutes until there is a slight roasting smell.  Pour in the chicken stock and water stirring well, season with salt and pepper.

Bring to a good simmer, then lid on turn down to minimum and simmer 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.

Saffron Rice Breakfast Bowl:

1 Tblsp. butter

2 rounded 3/4 cups of Saffron rice

4 eggs lightly whisked with a fork

1 green onion chopped (optional)

grated aged white cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup or more to taste

salt and pepper to taste

Salsa - we used a good quality jarred salsa

Heat up a frying pan with the butter on low heat.  Whisk the eggs with a fork and season with salt and pepper and set aside.  Add the rice, and green onions to the pan and saute for 3-4 minutes until heated.  Pour in the eggs through out and keep sauteing until the eggs are cooked through. Top with the cheddar cheese, tossing lightly to melt. Plate and serve with dollops of your favorite salsa.  Enjoy!