How should I use saffron?

[pintbean]

Hello!

I am wondering what you all suggest I use my special saffron on. This last summer we "invested" in some when we went to Dubai but we have yet to use it at all. We were thinking to do "risotta alla Milanese" but I am interested in other ideas.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Saffron can be used in many dishes but it is important to prepare it correctly to get the best from it.

Usually this involves soaking the saffron stands in hot, but not boiling, water for 2 hours before use. Of you don't have enough time, then you should speak the saffron for 20 minutes and then crush the stands in the water to release as much flavour and colour as possible into the water.

Saffron is used to add warmth and flavour to many rice dishes and stews. In fact we have an Iranian dish cooking right now that involves the use of saffron and it smells wonderful. It can also be used in tanjines and several countries including the UK actually have a religious dough based bun that use saffron in them (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saffron_bun).

 

[pintbean]

Thank you so much for the tips. I can't wait to try it!