Saffron

زعفران / za'farān; azafrán

Flavor and role

The dried stigmas of the crocus flower, the world's most expensive spice, giving a honey-like aroma and golden colour. Steep in 2-3 tbsp of warm water or milk for 10-15 minutes before adding.

Typical dishes and uses

Paella, risotto alla milanese, bouillabaisse, biryani, Persian rice dishes, Moroccan tagine. In this book: paella, biryani and chicken tagine with lemon and olives.

Substitutes

The aroma cannot be replaced. For colour only, a pinch of saffron = ½ tsp turmeric (or ¼ tsp turmeric + ¼ tsp paprika).

Storage

Kept from light and moisture in an airtight container in a cool place, it lasts 2-3 years. It can also be frozen.

Main countries

Iran · Spain

Used in this book

Seafood PaellaChicken Tagine with Lemon and OlivesChicken BiryaniAranciniBouillabaisseChebabChicken PastillaGulab JamunJoojeh Kabab (Persian Saffron Chicken Kebab)Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)LuqaimatSeven-Vegetable CouscousTahdig (Persian Saffron Crispy Rice)Albóndigas in Saffron-Almond Sauce with PicadaArancini al Ragù (Sicilian Cones)Marseille Bouillabaisse with Rockfish Broth and Potato RouilleKorean Haemul-tang Bouillabaisse with Gochujang RouilleOne-Pan Bouillabaisse Orzo with Saffron AioliGajar Halwa Carrot Cake with Cardamom Cream Cheese (British x Indian)Overnight Saffron Chebab with Whipped Cheese and Date SyrupHyderabadi Chicken Dum BiryaniBiryani Chicken Rice BowlRoyal Chicken Machboos with Saffron Rice, Daqoos and Crispy OnionsBlack Lime Chicken Machboos Paella (Emirati x Spanish)Individual Chicken Pastillas with Honey-Saffron Onion Confit and Orange Blossom AlmondsSaffron Duck Leg FesenjanHomemade Khoya Gulab Jamun with Pistachio FillingGulab Jamun Rose Milk CakeCardamom Harees Pudding Cups with Date CaramelSaffron Lamb Harira with Egg RibbonsSaffron-Lime Butter Joojeh Kabab with Chelow RiceSaffron Joojeh Chicken Tacos with Sumac Onions (Persian × Mexican)Saffron Joojeh Chicken Caesar Salad with Sumac Pita CroutonsKabsa Chicken PaellaLamb and Beef Kefta Tagine with Saffron, Harissa and Cumin SaltShahi Saffron Pistachio KheerSaffron Kheer BrûléeOven-Baked Saffron Kuku Sabzi with Buttered Barberries and Cucumber-Garlic YogurtSaffron-Rose Syrup Luqaimat with PistachioLuqaimat Brunch Pancakes with Date-Tahini ButterSaffron Madrouba with Bone-in Chicken and Crispy OnionsShahi Malai Kofta in Saffron-Cashew GravyLamb Seven-Vegetable Couscous with TfayaOssobuco with Saffron Risotto alla MilanesePrawn-Head Stock Paella with AllioliCrispy Chorizo Paella BitesSpanish Chorizo and Chicken PlovSlow-Braised Lamb Shank Rogan JoshSaffron Saleeg with Ghee-Basted Chicken and Crispy OnionsLamb Tagine with Prunes and AlmondsSaffron-Yogurt Tahdig with PistachiosSaffron Crispy Rice Salad with Herbs, Feta and WalnutsSaffron-Cardamom Thiakry Shrikhand (Senegalese × Indian)

Updated 2026-10-10