Monday, July 1, 2013

Exquisite Arabic Saffron Recipes, Arabic Coffee with Saffron, Saffron Chicken Roast & Ginger Saffron Drink


There is always a magical and mystical vibe associated with the Arabian culture. Arabs have a rich and beautiful tradition. Arabs place immense importance to their family and community. Their art, architecture, music and food reflects exuberance and affluence.

The Arabs have immensely contributed to the world of medicine,astronomy, architecture, trade and of course food. They have played a major role in introducing the aromatic spice Saffron to the world.

The golden spice has been adorned by different names in different cultures and countries , for instance in Farsi and Turkish languages it is called as Zefrun, in Arabic, it is called Zafaran, in English, "saffron", and in Spanish "Azafran", in French "Safrane"and in India, it is called "Kesar".

“Zafaran” in Arabic means the color yellow. This exotic spice renders a yellow color to the food and therefore it is given this scintillating name in the Arabic world.

The history of Saffron is as unique and inherent as the spice itself. It dates back to around 4500 years and spans various civilizations, countries, and cultures. The origination of this provocatively exotic spice is in the Orient.

There are accounts of use of Saffron in food, medicines, perfume, and as a dye for clothes in the Middle-Eastern countries from ancient times. It was the Arabs who encouraged the cultivation of Saffron in Spain.

Arabic culture is one the most hospitable cultures in the world. Their cuisine is considered to be one of the most delectable cuisines. Saffron is an integral part of Arabic cuisine right from the famous Arabic Coffee to the Biryani. What might be the reasons for their smoldering affair with Saffron?

Let’s join our quest of Saffron Arabic Cuisine to unfold the mystery of their affection to Saffron. Let us begin our journey by discovering the secret recipe of the refreshing Arabic Coffee. In the Arab countries every festival is begun with this rejuvenating drink.

 

 

Arabic Coffee with Saffron



Ingredients:
3 cups of water
3 Tablespoons of Arabic coffee, coarsely ground
1 tablespoon of cardamom powder
5-6 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon of Saffron threads
1 teaspoon of fresh rose water.

Method:
1.Begin by boiling the water in a medium saucepan. In the Middle - East , they make use of special coffee pot called the ‘dallah’.
2. Once the water boils add the 3 tablespoons of Arabic coffee and 1 tablespoon of coarsely grounded cardamom powder. Let it boil for about 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Now add 5- 6 cloves and stir it and let it simmer for another 5 minutes over a low flame.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes for the coffee to settle down.
5. Strain and pour the coffee in a pot and add 1 teaspoon of rose water and 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads to it. Place it over a low flame and bring it to a boil.
6. Arabic Saffron Coffee is ready. Serve this steaming hot Arabic coffee with dates in the Arabian style.

Arabic coffee is accustomed in delicacy, tradition and festivals. Arabs lay enormous importance to presentation. The Coffee is served in a small fragile cup called finjaan and poured from a great height.

Now, let’s move on to the delicious main course menu that happens to be a typical Saudi Arabian dish.

Chicken Roast with Saffron Rice



Ingredients:
1 Whole Chicken
½ Onion
2 cups of fresh Green Beans
1 cup of Basmati Rice or long grain rice
1 Chicken Bouillon
½ teaspoon Cardamom powder
½ teaspoon of Saffron threads
¼ cup of Pine Nuts
¼ cup of Almonds
4 tablespoons of Olive Oil
2 cups of water
Salt and Pepper according to taste


Method:
1. Begin by placing the Chicken seasoned with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper in a pre-heated oven set at about 400 degrees F. Let it cook for about 60 minutes.
2. Meanwhile wash and slice the green beans and onion lengthwise and put them in a large saucepan.
3. Place this saucepan over a medium flame and pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil to it. Saute the onions till they attain a nice golden -brown color.
4. Now to this mixture add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder, 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads, 2 cups of water, chicken bouillon, and a cup of rice. Keep stirring this mixture till it comes to a boil.
5. Decrease the flame and cover it with a lid.
6.Let this rice, chicken and saffron mixture boil for about 30 minutes on a low flame.
7.Once the Chicken and the rice, Chicken and Saffron mixture are ready, garnish them with almonds and pine nuts and serve them on a large dish.
Enjoy this Arabic delicacy along with a nice Arabic music and a good company. Arabic Chicken Roast with Saffron Rice can be best enjoyed in the company of your beloved.

After a main -course meal, let’s relish in some Arabic Saffron Beverages. What could be better than a Ginger -Saffron drink?

Ginger Saffron Drink



Ingredients:
2.5 cups of Water,
1/2 piece of fresh ginger,
1 teaspoon of Saffron threads
1 cup of sugar for the traditional method, but for the health conscious leave out the sugar, it's still a fantastically great tasting drink without the sugar!

Method:
1. Boil 2 1/2 cup of water and add 1 cup of sugar to it.
2. Now add 1/2 a piece of ginger and 1 teaspoon of saffron threads
3.Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes and then pour it into a Coffee pot and serve it.



It is truly a splendid and a revitalizing drink. Exploring Arabic Saffron cuisine feels like experiencing the fusion of luxury and simplicity. So, indulge yourself in this highly delicious Arabic cuisine and don’t forget to include your near and dear ones while enjoying these Arabic Saffron delicacies.

3 comments:

  1. Yeah seems one of the best drink need to try this .I love the flavour of ginger saffron tea .Anywasy will make an attempt on it and let you know the result.

    Keep going!

    http://goo.gl/2M8l6R

    ReplyDelete