Restaurant-Style Saffron Chicken with Carrots
Carrots, the hidden gem of cooking, especially Persian cuisine, elevate saffron chicken with their vibrant orange hue and subtly sweet flavor. Follow along as we dive into the recipe for restaurant-style saffron chicken with carrots.
Ingredients for Saffron Chicken with Carrots
- Chicken thighs and breasts: 4-5 pieces
- Medium onion: 1
- Medium carrots: 3
- Brewed saffron: as needed
- Butter and oil: 50g
- Salt, black pepper, turmeric: as needed
- Cinnamon stick: 1 piece
- Lemon juice (optional): 1 tbsp
- Tomato paste (optional): as needed
Step-by-Step Recipe for Saffron Chicken with Carrots
1. Searing Chicken and Preparing Carrots
Wash the chicken thoroughly, ensuring the water is fully drained. Heat a pot and melt butter and oil. Place the chicken pieces in the pot, frying them until golden on both sides. Simultaneously, chop the carrots uniformly for even cooking.
2. Adding Remaining Ingredients
After searing, remove the chicken and sauté grated onion until soft and golden. Add the carrots and return the chicken to the pot. Ensure the carrots are slightly softened before continuing. Add turmeric, black pepper, salt, cinnamon stick, and a bit of hot water to cover the ingredients. Pour brewed saffron into the pot, allowing it to boil before reducing the heat. Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for about an hour.
Note: Using tomato paste is optional. If you decide to include it, mix it with the sautéed onions before adding the chicken back to the pot.
3. Final Cooking Steps
In the last 15 minutes, add lemon juice for enhanced flavor. Once fully cooked, transfer the saffron chicken to a serving dish and garnish with slivered almonds if desired. Serve alongside rice, bread, or vegetables.
Why Use Carrots in Saffron Chicken?
Carrots add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to saffron chicken while also contributing dietary fiber for better digestion and a feeling of satiety.
Tips for Using Saffron
For optimal flavor and color, add saffron in two stages: once after frying the chicken and again during the final moments of cooking. Brew saffron by adding hot water to powdered or ground saffron and letting it steep for a few minutes.
Additional Flavor Enhancements
To eliminate chicken odor, pair it with onions and carrots and season with spices like ginger, cinnamon, or red chili powder. Saffron chicken pairs beautifully with plain rice, dill rice, or fava bean rice, and it can also be cooked with prunes for a richer taste.
Get Social