Ingredients:

  • Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • large Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • cloves Garlic, minced
  • lb Lean Ground Beef (85/15 recommended)
  • teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • /2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • /4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 cups Long-Grain White Rice (rinsed well)
  • A small pinch (approx. 1/4 tsp) Saffron Threads
  • Tablespoons Hot Water (for steeping saffron)
  • cups Beef Broth (warmed)
  • Tablespoon Tomato Paste
  • /4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Tablespoons Toasted Pine Nuts or Sliced Almonds (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Steep the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water and set aside to bloom while preparing other ingredients.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Push the onions to one side, increase heat slightly, and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned all over. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, allowing the spices to toast against the meat. Stir in the tomato paste.
  5. Stir in the rinsed rice until it is fully coated in the spiced meat mixture. Pour in the saffron liquid (threads and water) and the warm beef broth. Give everything one good stir to combine.
  6. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the absolute lowest setting. Cover the pot tightly with the lid.
  7. Simmer for 18–20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure the rice cooks evenly via trapped steam.
  8. Turn off the heat, but leave the pot covered on the burner for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for fluffy rice.
  9. Remove the lid. Gently fluff the rice mixture with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished generously with fresh parsley and toasted nuts.