Yummy Sweet Crispy Picnic Rice

Super yummy topped with cherries, this rice is super delicious and picnic perfect. Made with my favorite basmati rice, this rice is yummy with any protein such as spicy juicy chicken.

• 1 tsp saffron threads 
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 to 2 tbsp Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoon whole milk yogurt (Greek or otherwise) 
• 2 tbsp grape seed oil, or any healthy neutral-tasting oil of your choice 
• 1 cup dried cherries, finely chopped 
• Grated zest of 1 orange 
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
• 3 tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped for garnish

• Mix the saffron into 1 cup very warm (but not hot) water. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to let the saffron release all of its flavor.
• In a sieve, rinse the rice under cool running water until the water has no color. 
• In a large pot, combine 8 cups of water and the salt (this is your one shot to season the rice itself). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the rice and cook until al dente, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the rice. 
• In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of the cooked rice, the yogurt, grapeseed oil, and 2 tablespoon of the saffron water. Mix thoroughly. 
• Spread the rice-yogurt mixture evenly on the bottom of a 8-inch lidded nonstick pot. Sprinkle 1 cup of the remaining cooked rice on top, followed by 2 tablespoons of the dried cherries, a pinch of orange zest, and a pinch of cinnamon. Add another layer of rice and repeat with the cherries, orange zest, and cinnamon, reserving a couple tablespoon of the cherries for garnish. As you go about layering, the rice will start to dome and look “pointy” in the middle–that’s okay! Keep it that way. Complete it by dotting the top with the butter and pour the rest of the saffron water all over the top.
• Wrap the lid in a kitchen towel and secure it around the handle with a rubber band. Cover the pot and cook over low heat, 25 to 30 minutes or until the rice around the edges is golden and crispy; it’s okay to peek under the lid! Be sure not to burn the bottom layer of the rice, though you do want a nice crust in the bottom. 
• Remove the lid, invert a large serving plate over the pot, and carefully flip them over together. If it sticks, just scrape it out and run with it! Sprinkle the rice with the reserved dried cherries and pistachios and serve right away.
• Super yummy picnic in Cali ready!

Super yummy picnic rice!