Product Description
Cooking with Saffron
1.Use a small amount
In large qualities, saffron will produce a bitter flavor. It's best to prepare and use very small amounts in your dishes.
When possible, count the threads instead of measuring them by volume. Note that a "pinch" of saffron equals about 20 medium
threads, and a pinch is usually enough in most recipes that serve four to six people.
When using powdered saffron instead of whole threads, note that 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) of powder equals about 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) of
threads.This amount is usually enough for recipes that serve 8 to 12 people; scale it as needed based on the number of servings.
2.Use saffron in grain-based recipes. Most traditional recipes calling for saffron are grain-based, including risotto, pilaf, and
paella.
You can find a recipe that calls for saffron or add it to a basic recipe.
As a general guideline, add about 30 threads of saffron to four servings of risotto or pilaf made with 12 oz (300 g) of rice. Add
50 threads of saffron to a paella recipe that serves four.
3.Add saffron to desserts.
Since saffron has a flavor profile similar to vanilla, it works well in many desserts that typically feature vanilla as the
primary flavor. This includes custard, plain pastry, and sweet breads.
For custards, only add a pinch of saffron to the recipe per four servings.
For pastry and plain cookies, use 15 to 20 threads of saffron for every 8 oz (200 g) of flour called for in the recipe. Note that
butter accents the taste of saffron better than margarine.
For sweet breads, adding 15 threads of saffron per 1 lb (450 g) of flour will create a subtle flavor, but you can add up to 60
threads for the same amount of flour if you'd prefer a stronger taste.
4.Combine saffron with other flavors as desired. If you want saffron to serve as the primary flavor in a dish, you'll need to
avoid adding other spices, herbs, or aromatics. When mixed with other spices, however, saffron can give dishes an overall deeper
flavor.
When mixing saffron into dishes flavored with other seasonings, it's best to use only a pinch. Add the saffron early on so that
the flavor can blend into the other ingredients more thoroughly.
Seasonings frequently paired with saffron include cinnamon, cumin, almond, onion, garlic, and vanilla. For example, you may see
this combination in recipes for saffron rice.
If you plan to add saffron to meat or vegetable dishes, gravitate toward those based on light meats and vegetables. For example,
you could try adding it to a chicken or cauliflower dish.