Saffron Rice Pilaf With Red Peppers & Toasted Almonds

• low sodium chicken broth2 1⁄2 cups

  (can substitute water, but won't be quite as good)

• saffron1⁄8 teaspoon

  (about 20 threads or a "pinch")

• extra virgin olive oil↗1 tablespoon
• medium yellow onion↗1

  small diced (1 1/4 cups)

• red bell pepper↗1

  cored, seeded, and small diced (about one cup)

• long-grain white rice↗1 1⁄2 cups

  (I use Basmatti)

• kosher salt↗1 teaspoon

  more if needed

• cayenne pepper↗1⁄8 teaspoon

  (to taste)

• chopped fresh parsley1⁄4 cup

  divided

• large garlic clove↗1

  minced

• slivered almonds↗1⁄4 cup

  toasted

• fresh oregano↗1 tablespoon

  (can use half as much dry)

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   On the stove top or in the microwave, heat the broth until hot. Add the saffron, cover, and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, in a heavy-based 3-quart saucepan with a tight lid, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft but not browned, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the rice, salt and cayenne, and stir well to coat each grain with oil. Toast for a full five minutes, stirring regularly to keep the grains separated and to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan (the rice may turn opaque before 5 minutes is up, but keep going). Reduce the heat to low if there are any signs of scorching. Stir in 2 tablespoons of parsley and the garlic.

4. 4

   Add the saffron broth, stir once, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 18 minutes. Remove from the heat, and let the pilaf sit, still covered, for five minutes.

5. 5

   Once the pilaf has rested, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Using the fork, gently fold in the almonds, the remaining parsley, and the oregano. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.

6. 6

   P.S. You might be tempted to leave out the saffron because it's expensive, but DON'T DO IT! It's worth every penny, and one jar goes a long way. If you have a Trader Joe's in your area, you can pick up a jar for about three to four bucks. If you don't have a TJ's, I'm sorry for you.