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Saffron Rice Minestrone

17/11/2023

Here is the recipe for a delicious Saffron Rice Minestrone, a dish that combines the tradition of minestrone with the unique and refined taste of saffron. The recipe I propose has a very marked Italian touch, with the use of fresh vegetables and rice, an ingredient much loved in Italian cuisine, especially in Northern Italy where saffron is the key ingredient of the famous Milanese risotto.

Ingredients

  • 200 g of Carnaroli or Arborio rice
  • 1 sachet of saffron powder or a few stigmas
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 sticks of celery
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 zucchini
  • 100 g of green beans
  • 200 g of peeled tomatoes or ripe fresh tomatoes
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for garnishing (optional)
  • Aromatic herbs such as basil or parsley for garnishing (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by cleaning the vegetables. Peel and dice the carrots, onion, and zucchini. Also cut the green beans into pieces and the celery into slices.

  2. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot and lightly fry the onion until it becomes transparent.

  3. Add the carrots and celery and continue to sauté for a few minutes. Then, add the zucchini and green beans and let cook for another 5 minutes.

  4. Pour the peeled tomatoes into the pot, crushing them a bit with a wooden spoon. If you are using fresh tomatoes, you should peel and dice them before adding.

  5. Add the rice to the pot and mix it with the vegetables to lightly toast it.

  6. At this point, add the hot vegetable broth little by little, as if you were preparing a risotto, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more.

  7. Add the saffron dissolved in a bit of hot water or broth, stirring well to evenly distribute the color and flavor.

  8. Complete the cooking according to the timing suggested on the rice package, checking often and adding broth if necessary.

  9. Once the rice is cooked, season with salt and pepper and, if you wish, add some grated Parmesan cheese.

  10. Serve the saffron rice minestrone hot, with a raw drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and, if you like, garnish with freshly chopped aromatic herbs.

Curiosity

Saffron is a highly prized spice because it is obtained from the flowers of Crocus sativus and requires a very meticulous harvesting and processing procedure. It is known not only for its distinctive flavor but also for its coloring properties that give dishes a golden-yellow hue. In addition to being used in the famous Milanese risotto, saffron is also used in various other recipes in Mediterranean and international cuisine.