Cooking Class: The Story of Saffron

By: Andrea (View Profile)

I’ve recently become bored in the kitchen and decided to take a cooking class at the local Loblaws. The class I decided on was all about saffron, and it included some really awesome, fresh dishes. If you’re looking for something fresh and tasty to serve this summer, these are definitely worth giving a try. Saffron is an expensive spice, but you can find Spanish saffron for about $4 CAD a gram.

Grilled Persian Chicken Kebabs

Marinade:

  • 2-pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 medium sized white onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Baste:

  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • A pinch of saffron
  • Salt to taste

1. Trim chicken of fat and cut into one-inch cubes. Set aside in mixing bowl. Mince onion and garlic in a food processor, then add saffron, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken in bowl, add parsley, and toss to mix. Refrigerate covered overnight or for at least six hours.

2. When ready to grill, preheat to medium hot. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade. Place skewers in a covered grill and cook until done, about seven to eight minutes per side.

3. Mix basting ingredients together and brush all over chicken skewers during the last few minutes of grilling.

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Comments
posted: 07.26.2008
Mark Roddey
Andrea, great recipe and style of usage for Saffron. As a side note though, after 30 years in the business of cooking, my sentiment of Saffron still remains the same ... over-priced and over-rated!
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