Rustic Skewers with Saffron Rice
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | 320g |
| Saffron | 1 pinch |
| Water | 700g |
| Onion | 50g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 25g |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Bay Leaf | 1 |
| Cloves | 4 |
| Sausage (Luganega) | 200g |
| Pork Loin | 200g |
| Pancetta | 200g |
| Red Bell Peppers | 80g |
| Yellow Bell Peppers | 80g |
| Green Bell Peppers | 80g |
| Zucchini | 80g |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 90g |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Saffron Rice
To begin, we first need to prepare the saffron rice. In a pot, bring the 700g of water to a boil. Once boiling, we will be ready to add the rice. To enhance the flavor, tie the bay leaf to the onion with the cloves and add this to the water. For a richer taste, feel free to use vegetable broth instead of plain water.
In a separate container, warm a little of the hot water (or vegetable broth) and dissolve the saffron in it. Once dissolved, pour it into the pot with the remaining boiling water. Add a pinch of salt for seasoning, and then add the rice to the pot. Let it cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until it is tender and aromatic.
2. Prepare the Skewers
While the rice is cooking, itโs time to assemble the rustic skewers. Start by preparing the pork loin: trim off any excess fat, and slice it into 2cm thick pieces.
Next, wash the peppers thoroughly, remove the seeds, and cut them into bite-sized chunks. Prepare the zucchini by cutting off both ends and slicing it into rounds.
Now, assemble the skewers in a pattern starting with a cherry tomato, followed by a piece of sausage, a slice of zucchini, and a chunk of pork loin. Continue layering the skewers, alternating with yellow bell pepper, pancetta, and other vegetables. Repeat the process until all the skewers are assembled, ensuring that each skewer has a good balance of meat and vegetables. You should be able to make 6 skewers with the ingredients.
3. Grill the Skewers
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are slightly charred. The pancetta should also render its fat and become crispy, adding extra flavor.
4. Serving Suggestions
Once the skewers are grilled to perfection, serve them alongside the saffron rice. You can either arrange the rice on the bottom of the serving plate and place the skewers on top or for a more original presentation, place the rice in small individual bowls to the side. The saffron rice adds a beautiful golden color and an aromatic touch that complements the smoky flavors of the skewers. Enjoy this delightful dish as a perfect one-pot meal or as part of a larger meal spread.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~30g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35g |
| Fat | ~25g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
| Sodium | ~500mg |
These rustic skewers paired with the fragrant saffron rice make a hearty, satisfying meal that’s full of vibrant flavors. The combination of savory grilled meats, crisp vegetables, and aromatic rice is a perfect balance, ensuring every bite is a delight. Whether you’re enjoying it for a family dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish will certainly impress with its colors and taste.
