Saffron Rice Pilaf with Pistachios & Pomegranate

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Inspired by Persian jeweled rice, we jazz up a packet of precooked rice with saffron-infused milk and other warming spices—cardamom, turmeric and cinnamon—then top with sweet and salty bites of raisins, pistachios and pomegranate arils.

By
Pooja Makhijani
A Headshot of Pooja Makhijani
Pooja Makhijani

Pooja Makhijani is a writer and editor in New Jersey. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, Real Simple, The Atlantic, WSJ.com, The Cut, Teen Vogue, Epicurious, Publishers Weekly, ELLE, Bon Appétit, The Kitchn, BuzzFeed and Catapult, among others. Her essay, "The Path to an American Dream, Paved in Vienna Fingers," was named Notable in The Best American Food Writing 2019.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on September 18, 2023
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

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Saffron Rice Pilaf with Pistachios & Pomegranate
Photo: Charlotte & Johnny Autry
Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
15 mins
Servings:
4
Nutrition Profile:
Soy-Free Heart-Healthy Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons low-fat milk

  • 8 saffron threads

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cooked brown rice, heated according to package instructions

  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom

  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ⅓ cup golden raisins

  • ⅓ cup shelled unsalted pistachios

  • ¼ cup pomegranate arils (seeds)

Directions

  1. Place milk in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High just until heated through but not boiling, 15 to 20 seconds. Stir in saffron and let soak for 10 minutes.

  2. Combine rice, cardamom, turmeric, pepper, cinnamon and the milk mixture in a medium bowl. Top with raisins, pistachios and pomegranate arils.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, April 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

213 Calories
7g Fat
34g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1/2 cup
Calories 213
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 34g 12%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 5g 10%
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Vitamin A 43IU 1%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Vitamin D 4IU 1%
Vitamin E 1mg 4%
Folate 10mcg 3%
Vitamin K 4mcg 3%
Sodium 74mg 3%
Calcium 31mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 19mg 5%
Potassium 239mg 5%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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