Saffron recipes
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. It's derived from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus and has a deep auburn colour and sweet flavour. The stigmas can only be picked by hand and it takes 250,000 stigmas to make just half a kilo of saffron, hence its high price. Fortunately, a little saffron goes a long way.
Many families in Spain have their own version of paella, each slightly different from the last. Some include rabbit or chicken, while others focus on seafood. This paella is a homage to my family from Mallorca and is made with both meat and fish.
Resist the temptation to stir the rice while it cooks, else you won't get the all-important crispy base (called the socarrat). You do not need a paella dish to make this recipe: a large, flat non-stick frying pan – around 33cm/13in – will do.
More saffron recipes
Buyer's guide
Saffron can be bought whole in threads or strands (stigmas) or in powdered form. Spanish and Kashmiri saffron are reputed to be among the best-quality.
Preparation
Saffron gives a distinctive aroma and flavour and a yellow colour to Spanish paella and Italian risotto and is also a classic ingredient in the French fish soup, Bouillabaisse. Crush the stigmas and soak in water before use.
