What Can I Make That Uses Saffron?

Emma Christensen
Emma Christensen
Emma is a former editor for The Kitchn and a graduate of the Cambridge School for Culinary Arts. She is the author of True Brews and Brew Better Beer. Check out her website for more cooking stories
updated May 2, 2019
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Q: My aunt and uncle are living in the Middle East, and they have a local source for wonderful high quality saffron. Every year when they come back for a visit they bring me some. Problem is, I’m not using it fast enough! (Terrible problem to have, I know.)

I don’t know what to do with it beyond adding it to rice. Anyone have any suggestions for other ways to use my saffron stash?

Sent by Maria

Editor: This sounds like a good problem to have! For using up saffron, there’s nothing like the classics: French bouillabaisse, Spanish paellas, Italian risotto milanese, and Indian biryanis. Saffron is also fantastic infused into cream. You could go savory with a saffron cream sauce or sweet with saffron-infused ice cream or panna cotta.

And, of course, I’m sure any culinary-minded friends wouldn’t mind a little present in their mailboxes!

• Ingredient Spotlight: Saffron • Saffron Rice with Peas and Cashews • Casseroles Around the World: Indian Biryanis • How to Make Paella from Fine Cooking • Bouilllabaisse from Saveur • Risotto Milanese from Leite’s Culinaria

Readers, what are your favorite recipes with saffron?

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Related: Good Product: Spanish Saffron from Trader Joe’s

(Image: marilyn barbone/Shutterstock)

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