Saffron-Sesame Rice with Pine Nuts

When cooking a rice dish, I like to make extra to have as leftovers. You'll get about two extra servings from this simple brown rice pilaf recipe.

Serves: 4 to 6 as a side dish

• 1 vegetable bouillon cube
• ¾ cup long-grain brown or brown Basmati rice
• ½ teaspoon saffron threads (see Note)
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• 2 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
• Juice of l/2 lemon
• 1 ½ tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
• ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Combine 2 cups of water and the bouillon cube in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stir in the rice, then cover and simmer until the water is absorbed, about 35 minutes. Remove from heat and cover.

Combine the saffron with ¼ cup hot water in a small container and let steep until needed.

In a small, dry skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes, shaking or stirring frequently. Remove from heat.

Stir the saffron water and pine nuts into the cooked rice, followed by the remaining ingredients. Serve at once.

Note: If saffron is unavailable, substitute an equal amount of turmeric.

• For more ways to use brown rice, explore Classic Rice Dishes.