BASMATI*****Giada's Pancetta and Saffron Rice

By Unblond1

We both loved this - makes a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch pieces or 50 grams diced chorizo (went with this most recently, think I prefer it)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (Don't leave this out or reduce it)
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove minced or sliced garlic
• 1/2 cup white basmati rice (DON'T try this with brown basmati - I did that the second time I made it and it took FOREVER to cook - over an hour - and the texture wasn't the same and it wound up not being as good)
• 1 1/3 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/2 lemon
• Malden salt (just a pinch, the pancetta is salty) and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Details

Servings 3
Adapted from foodnetwork.com

Preparation

Step 1

* In a medium saucepan, *heat* the olive oil over medium-high heat. *Add* the pancetta or chorizo and cook, stirring frequently, until brown and crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. *Remove* the pancetta to paper towels to drain and set aside.

* In the same pan, over medium heat, add the *butter* to the pan drippings and melt. *Add* the onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. *Add* the garlic and cook a minute or so longer. *Add* the rice and stir until the rice is lightly toasted and coated with the butter, about 2 minutes. *Stir* in the stock, salt and saffron.

* *Bring* the mixture to a simmer and nestle the lemon half, cut side up, into the rice. *Cover* and cook over low heat until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, about 25 to 30 minutes *Let* the rice stand for 5 minutes.

* To serve, squeeze the lemon juice into the rice, using tongs, then add the cooked pancetta or chorizo, the parsley, a grinding of pepper and a small sprinkle of Maldon salt and serve.

Nutrition Facts - 3 Servings

Calories 286.6
Total Fat 14.0 g
Saturated Fat 7.4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.7 g
Cholesterol 37.4 mg
Sodium 726.3 mg
Potassium 269.9 mg
Total Carbohydrate 35.0 g
Dietary Fiber 1.4 g
Sugars 1.3 g
Protein 7.2 g