Saffron is a spice that I’m pretty well accustomed to. It is used regularly in Indian dessert recipes. I also love it in saffron milk which has health benefits and tastes delicious! Recently, I’ve got more into using it in savoury dishes too like this Vegetable Paella. I first tried Saffron Cream Sauce in a pasta dish at a restaurant in Zurich, Switzerland and it’s been on my radar to make a separate recipe post for the sauce.
What is Saffron Cream Sauce
Saffron cream sauce is a luxurious and flavorful sauce made by infusing cream with saffron threads, resulting in a rich golden hue and a distinctive taste. To prepare saffron cream sauce, saffron threads are typically steeped in warm cream to release their vibrant color and intense flavor. This infusion process allows the cream to absorb the essence of saffron, imparting a subtle floral and earthy taste to the sauce. The sauce is often used to enhance the flavor of various dishes, including pasta, seafood (fish, scallops), chicken and vegetables. Its velvety texture and delicate taste of saffron notes add depth and sophistication, making it a popular choice in gourmet cuisine. Saffron cream sauce can be customized with additional ingredients such as garlic, shallots, white wine, or herbs to complement different dishes. Saffron is the most expensive spice, making this sauce a great option for special occasions or fancy dinner parties.
What is saffron and its taste
Saffron is a prized spice derived from the stigma of the crocus flower, scientifically known as Crocus sativus. It is one of the most expensive spices in the world due to its labor-intensive harvesting process. Each delicate stigma must be carefully hand-picked. Saffron imparts a distinct flavor, aroma, and vibrant yellow-orange color to dishes. It is a popular ingredient in various cuisines worldwide, particularly in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean cooking. Saffron has been used historically for its medicinal properties, believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing effects. Saffron is renowned for its unique flavor profile, which is simultaneously floral, earthy, and slightly bitter. When added to dishes, saffron imparts a distinct and luxurious taste that is difficult to replicate with any other spice. The flavor of saffron is complex and adds depth to both sweet and savory dishes.
Creamy Saffron Sauce Ingredients
All ingredients can be found at your local grocery store. Cream – I’ve used single cream as I do not want the sauce too thick but you can use double cream (heavy cream or heavy whipping cream). I recommend single cream if using for a pasta or double cream if serving alongside veggies, fish or meat as you will get a much thicker sauce. Saffron – you’ll need a generous pinch of saffron threads for this recipe. Garlic – you’ll need fresh minced garlic to add more complex flavour. You just need a little bit. Butter – I’ve used unsalted butter which helps thicken the sauce but you can also use olive oil. Salt and black pepper to taste Optional additions: Parmesan cheese – I find the sauce is rich without any cheese but you can grate some vegetarian cheese in at the end if you wish. Lemon zest – to add fresh flavour to cut through the cream and make a lemon saffron sauce Diced shallots – you may want to add shallot along with the garlic to add extra flavour Tomatoes – toss through halved cherry tomatoes with the garlic to make tomato saffron sauce
Vegan Saffron Sauce
You can easily make this recipe vegan with some simple substitutions. Use olive oil or vegan butter in place of the vegan butter and plant based cream in place of the dairy cream.
How to make Butter Saffron Cream Sauce
In a small bowl, add the saffron strands and pour over hot water and allow to steep for a couple of minutes. Heat butter in a saute pan or saucepan on medium heat and add the minced garlic. Saute for a minute until the garlic just begins to turn gold. Add in the saffron water and mix to create an emulsion. Pour in the cream and allow to come to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer on low heat and cook for 1-2 minutes. Ensure the cream is not sticking to the bottom of the pan. Switch off the heat and season with salt and pepper. Use in a variety of delicious recipes!
Pro Tips
Crush saffron to extract more flavour and colour meaning you can use less – a little saffron goes a long way. The sauce will thicken as it cools due to the butter in the dish so do not reduce it too much on the heat.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetable Risotto – stir into a creamy vegetable risotto for an elegant and flavorful twist. Add your favorite vegetables such as asparagus, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition. Pasta – toss saffron sauce with cooked pasta or ravioli for a simple yet indulgent vegetarian pasta dish. Add some roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrients. Grilled Vegetables – drizzle over grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a decadent side dish or light vegetarian main course. Vegetable Gratins – layer thinly sliced potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes in a baking dish, then pour saffron cream sauce over the top. Use in these Potato Dauphinoise which are flavoured with cardamom. Creamy Vegetable Soup – stir into a creamy vegetable soup for a luxurious and comforting meal. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad. Fish – serve with seafood such as salmon, trout, shrimp, mussels, lobster and scallops.
Other Saffron Recipes
Carrot Ginger Coconut Soup with Saffron Vinaigrette Saffron and Pistachio Shortbread As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations! Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
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