Ingredients:

• 2 dl basmati rice
• 250 g mixed mushrooms (e.g. mushrooms, chanterelles or portobello)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 0.5 g saffron (approx. 1/4 tsp)
• 5 dl vegetable stock (or water with stock cube)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• 1 lemon for serving (optional)

How to proceed:

1. Preparation of the saffron: Start by soaking the saffron threads in 2-3 tablespoons of warm water. This will help release the colour and flavour.

2. Fry onions and garlicIn a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and fry until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add rice and saffron: Add the rice to the pan and stir for a few minutes to coat it with the oil and soak up the flavour of the onion and garlic. Pour the soaked saffron with the liquid into the pan and stir.

4. Add the broth: Pour the vegetable stock over the rice, stir well and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

5. Fry the mushrooms: While the rice is cooking, heat the butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and fry until golden and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Mix it all togetherWhen the rice is ready, fluff it gently with a fork. Add the fried mushrooms to the rice and stir gently to mix everything together.

7. ServingSeason the rice with salt and pepper if needed. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for freshness.

Tips:

• You can add other vegetables like spinach or peas to make the dish more colourful.
• If you want to add some extra protein, you can serve it with grilled chicken or tofu.

Enjoy!

Saffron has been known throughout history for its distinctive colour and unique flavour. The deep red threads have enriched countless dishes with their intense aroma and colour, and today saffron remains a sought-after ingredient in cuisines around the world.

Saffron's popularity is largely due to its unique ability to add depth and complexity to both sweet and savoury dishes. With just a small amount, typically around 30 mg, saffron can enhance the flavour of everything from rice dishes and soups to desserts. Saffron is known to be a luxurious ingredient and its special properties make it a favourite among chefs and food lovers.

The key substances in saffron, such as crocin and safranal, contribute not only to the flavour, but also to the intense golden colour that can transform even the simplest dishes into visually stunning creations. Using saffron in cooking not only provides a unique flavour experience, but also an aesthetic boost to the food.

So if you're looking to enhance your culinary creations, saffron is a great choice. Always choose High quality saffron to ensure the best flavour and colour in your dishes.