“I must have saffron to colour the warden pies; mace; dates? – none, that’s out of my note; nutmegs, seven; a race or two of ginger, but that I may beg; four pound of prunes, and as many of raisins o’ the sun.”
–William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
(‘The Winter’s Tale’ – Clown, the Shepherd’s son is planning a sheep-shearing feast)
While talking of Aromas and Flavors, how can I forget the world’s most luxurious and aromatic spice ‘ Saffron ‘. Known as the ‘King of Spices‘ and ‘Red Gold‘, it is the Louis Vuitton,Jimmy Choo, Lamborgini and the Blue diamond of the spice shelf 😀 . It can cost up to $2000/lb. But luckily a little saffron goes a long way. It is sold in 1/2 or 1 gram packs as well. Because it is very intense both in aroma and flavor, most recipes call for just a few strands of saffron. Saffron threads are usually soaked in warm milk or water to release the natural flavors and color before adding it to the dish.
saffron threadsSaffron strands soaking in milk
This chicken recipe is one of my favorites because it has a beautiful combination of flavors apart from the saffron.
Warning:Make this dish only if you are willing to welcome a few uninvited guests, because the aroma wafting out of your kitchen is sure to tempt your neighbors.
Saffron Chicken
STEP 1:
750 g /1.65 lb chicken pieces
salt to taste
2 tsp. garlic paste
2 tbsp. curd/yogurt
1 tsp. red chilli powder
4 strands of saffron
Marinate chicken with all the ingredients.
STEP 2:
2-3 bay leaf
4 cloves
paste of two medium sized onions
4 tbsp. oil ( unscented and subtle)
2 tsp. garlic paste
In a deep bottomed pan/wok, heat the oil and brown the onion paste. Then add garlic paste and saute. Add the marinated chicken. Saute for a couple of minutes. Cover and cook till chicken is done.
STEP 3:
5-6 strands of saffron
8 cashew nuts
Soak saffron in half a cup of warm water for ten minutes. Put this liquid along with the saffron and cashews in the blender jar and make a smooth paste. Remove the lid from the pan and add this paste into the chicken. Cover and simmer on low heat for five minutes.
Serve hot with rice or breads.Enjoy this deliciously aromatic chicken with your family…..
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Mmm Mmm, thanks to your wonderful descriptions I can almost smell the delicious aroma emitting from your kitchen…now if I could only taste the wonderful flavors, too! Spectacular looking dish, skd….I only wish I had read this before putting my chicken in the oven this evening!
I just planted fifty saffron crocuses (croci?) but they won’t bloom until next year. So meanwhile I am going to have to stock up on some more of this spice so I can make this. I’ve used it with chicken in paella before, but not on its own in a yogurt sauce like this. Much more practical for me than paella! And it looks simply delicious. Many thanks.
You are amazing Hilda!!! Wow! Planting fifty crocuses 😀
Thank you for your kind compliments. It really tastes good and is very easy to make. do try it 🙂
This sounds so very good. Love that you’ve made a paste from saffron-infused milk and cashews. I bet the flavor is fantastic. I’m always on the look out for different chicken recipes and, thanks to you, I’ve just found another one. 🙂
Aromas and Flavors from my Kitchen 
Sounds yummo, definitely going to try this out.
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Thank you 🙂 Please let me know if you liked it…
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Hah I love the warning before this and the dish sounds delish. I have some saffron so am gojng to give this a go x
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Yeah please do 🙂 I am sure you will love it dear….
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oooh i am excited already….mind you i think i should have some of yours just to try first x
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Most welcome 😀 But you wouldn’t find me anywhere close to my dish at FF, coz I will be happily gorging on your Parmesan chicken lol
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hah clever answer x
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My sister just sent me some Persian saffron! Perfect timing, Skd! 🙂
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Wow! That’s awesome Angie 🙂 Do try this recipe…
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Mmm Mmm, thanks to your wonderful descriptions I can almost smell the delicious aroma emitting from your kitchen…now if I could only taste the wonderful flavors, too! Spectacular looking dish, skd….I only wish I had read this before putting my chicken in the oven this evening!
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Yummm… And now I can smell that yummy chicken roasting in your oven Nancy 🙂
Thank you for your sweet comments ❤
Virtual Hugs
skd
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I just planted fifty saffron crocuses (croci?) but they won’t bloom until next year. So meanwhile I am going to have to stock up on some more of this spice so I can make this. I’ve used it with chicken in paella before, but not on its own in a yogurt sauce like this. Much more practical for me than paella! And it looks simply delicious. Many thanks.
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You are amazing Hilda!!! Wow! Planting fifty crocuses 😀
Thank you for your kind compliments. It really tastes good and is very easy to make. do try it 🙂
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Must admit I’ve never tried Safron before but I think I will with this recipe. Also never cooked with blended cashew nuts. Can’t wait to try this!
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You will love the pleasant aroma and delicate flavor of Saffron. Please use it sparingly 🙂
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Your chicken looks so flavorful with saffron, I use saffron in my cuisine too and especially into my desserts 🙂
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Thank you dear 🙂 It is a beautifully versatile spice. Saffron milk is also relished by many.
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very attractive dish
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Thank You 🙂
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I like to use saffron not only for the flavor but the color it imparts. I always have a little container in my pantry. Great sounding chicken dish 🙂
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Thanks a lot 🙂 This is one delish dish. The color it imparts is so beautiful.
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This dish sounds amazing! I also like the look that the saffron adds to your dish.
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Thank you Julie 🙂 I couldn’t capture the color properly. It really looks and tastes awesome.
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I have never used saffron….this looks great!
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It is a beautiful spice Lori. You must try it some time 🙂
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This sounds like a wonderful dish! I can imagine how good the aroma must be. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Most Welcome Naina 🙂
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I love saffron chicken! going to have to give this a try 🙂
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You must 🙂 After all Sarah and Spice go together…
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Very true 🙂
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Love saffron and this simple recipe seems to highlight the saffron flavor fully! Sounds wonderful! Btw love the saffron pictures too! 🙂
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Thanks Indu 🙂 this is one dish where Saffron speaks loud and clear. Dominates the other ingredients beautifully…
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Yummy!
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Yummy Yummy 😀 Thanks Nell!
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This sounds so very good. Love that you’ve made a paste from saffron-infused milk and cashews. I bet the flavor is fantastic. I’m always on the look out for different chicken recipes and, thanks to you, I’ve just found another one. 🙂
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You are most welcome! thank you for all the kind words. The combination of flavors is awesome 🙂
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This looks delicious!
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Thank you dear 🙂
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I still have no luck finding saffron in this region of the country. It looks a bit like sappanwood… I wonder if i can use it as substitute… LOL!
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I am not sure the flavors will be the same….
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I agree. I asked a friend and she told me they were really different. 😀
I guess I’ll try to find saffron in little India. 🙂
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Thank you for stopping by my blog 🙂
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