Awhile ago, a friend gave me a generous portion of her saffron stash. I have scrimped and saved every little bit of those precious strands. Have you ever wondered why saffron is so expensive? These delicate little threads are derived from the stamen of crocus flowers. To make it even worse, each crocus flower only has three stamen. Kind of makes you respects those little threads, doesn’t it? I felt it was time to put those hard-earned threads to work.
Chop 1/2 cup red onion.
Heat 2 tbsp olive in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add 1 1/2 cups (9 oz) orzo and toast, stirring frequently, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the saffron mixture.
Add 2 1/2 cups water and 1 tsp salt.
Cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is just tender, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat.
From a medium bulb of fennel, chop 1 cup of the vegetable and sprinkle over the cooked orzo. Cover and let the fennel soften off the heat, about 5 minutes.
Stir the fennel into the orzo. Chop 2 tbsp of the fennel fronds. Serve the orzo, sprinkled with the chopped fronds.
iRaw says
This looks delicious!
s. stockwell says
so lucky to have a stash of saffron? we are all out? wondering if the fennel is tender enough? must be? looks delicious. best, s
Cookin' Canuck says
S. Stockwell, I too was worried about the fennel being tender enough, but was pleasantly surprised. It was perfectly done.
janet says
That looks wonderful and I have been craving saffron lately, I think I'll have to make this!
applecrumbles says
That has to be delicious. Saffron and fennel? – can't go wrong there. Definitely going on my must try list.
tokyoterrace says
This looks so delicious- I love meals like this. Simple and tasty but unique. Great recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Esi says
This sounds absolutely delicious. I have some saffron that I need to use so I will definitely keep this in mind.
Mathilde says
I have never tried orzo but as soon as I find some, I will try this recipe!
The Food Addicts says
Saffron! My goodness.. my husband has been trying to buy saffron, and i just can't believe how expensive it is for just a tiny amount! But it's definitely something fun to cook with. Great post!
Toaster Oven Recipes says
Yummy,yummy,yummy,simply mouth-watering stuff!
I can smell it right here!
I guess I can't do anything else until I can get this delicacy to treat and mesmerize my senses. And that's going to be right now.
Wonderful recipe! Great post!
Ricardo says
Looks super delicious and well presented 🙂 xxx
Rico|Recipes