Saffron Basmati Rice & Spicy Green Beans

photo by me

we had a really late lunch this afternoon so i decided to keep it light and healthy for dinner. my daughter LOVES fresh green beans (the longer the better) so this is actually a finger food dinner for her!

i love spicy green beans. this dish makes it easy to load up on vegetables- they are so yummy!

Saffron Basmati Rice
2 cups Basmati Rice
3 ½ cups Broth (chicken or vegetable)
1 pinch Saffron threads soaked in 2T hot water for 10 minutes
1 tsp Salt
2 T olive oil
½ cup diced onions

1. Wash and drain the rice. In 4-qt pot, heat with olive oil over medium heat. When oil is shimmering, add onions and fry for 3 minutes, until softened and light brown. Stir in rice, broth, saffron + soaking water and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.

2. Once it starts boiling, immediately cover and turn to low heat.

3. Let the rice cook on low heat, undisturbed (no peeking!) for 20 minutes. Turn off heat. Let sit for another 5 minutes covered to finish steaming. Use a fork to fluff up the rice.
recipe from steamykitchen.com

Spicy Stir Fry Green Beans
1 lb fresh green beans (washed with ends removed)
2 teaspoon fresh, minced ginger root
2-3 minced garlic cloves
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoon sesame oil (or vege oil)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or fresh red pepper (less if you don’t like spicy!)

1. Steam or boil green beans for 3-4 min.

2. Add oil, water, garlic, red pepper and ginger to a frying pan/wok and heat for 1 minute. Add green beans and cook 4 minutes. Add soy sauce and cook 1 more minute!