How to prepare saffron water

Saffron water is a mixture of... you guessed it, saffron and water. It can be used to add flavor and color to various dishes. It's a basic one that will be useful for future recipes. This visual step-by-step guide will make it even easier. 

What you'll need: 

• 1/8 teaspoon Saffron (can be purchased from markets that carry import products or Amazon.com 
• 1 tablespoon boiled water
• Mortar and pestle
• Container with lid for storage of extra ground saffron

How to prepare 

1. Measure an 1/8 of a teaspoon of saffron and place into mortar. This is about half your pinky nail. If using it on top of rice, this amount will make enough saffron water for about 2-4 cups of uncooked rice. 

2. Grind saffron in the mortar with the pestle until fine and pour into a glass cup/container. 

3. Add 1 tablespoon of boiled water and mix for a few minutes. Note: ground saffron will not dissolve completely. 

4. The color of the saffron water should be a rich orange-yellow hue. Set aside to add to rice or other dish. 

Although saffron is expensive, a small amount goes a long way. The distinct sweet aroma and flavor that it adds is worth every penny! 

You can always grind saffron ahead of time and store it in a glass jar with a lid for future use. This will help make this process even quicker! Saffron water can be used with the recipe posted for how to make steamed basmati rice . More recipes to come! 

Enjoy! 

xo arineh