2cupswhite rice(or 1-¼ cup using a regular measuring cup)
¼cupwater(PLUS more will be used inside of rice cooker refer to instructions)
1-½teaspoonsaffron(you can get Spanish saffron threads from Trader Joe's)
½tablespoongrapeseed oil(or extra olive oil)
2clovesgarlic(2 medium sized cloves or 1 large clove minced)
1tablespoononion(minced)
1-½teaspoonkosher salt
1teaspoongranulated garlic powder
1teaspoononion powder
1teaspoonground turmeric
Instructions
Mince garlic and onion. Set aside.
Add water to small pot and heat on top of stove-tip until water is hot but not boiling then soak the saffron threads in hot water for 10 minutes. Steep saffron threads in hot water for 10 minutes. Remove threads using a fork or tilt the pot and using your fork push the threads against the sides of the pot (the threads will stick to the sides) then remove and discard the threads.
Add grapeseed oil or olive oil into to a skillet and place over low to medium heat. Add onion and seasonings except for salt and heat (this is also called blooming). Continue to heat for several seconds then add garlic and continue to heat for several more seconds.
Pour the saffron liquid without the threads into the skillet with the heated spices and mix until combined. Wash the rice until the water no longer appears cloudy and add to rice cooker then add the contents from the skillet into the rice cooker.
Using the built-in measurements, fill the rice cooker with water until it reaches the correct level. Cover the rice cooker with the lid that comes with the rice cooker then add salt. Press the 'Cook' button which will light up.
When the rice is done, the 'Warm' button will light up. Remove the lid when ready to serve. Using a fork, fluff rice then taste and add additional salt if needed.
Notes
Boil ¼ cup water until really hot, then add the saffron threads and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
Use a fork to remove saffron threads before adding saffron mixture to skillet with heated turmeric.
Rinse rice with cool water until with water runs almost clear.
Make sure to add the correct amount of water to the rice cooker to prevent your rice from being under-cooked or overcooked.
Intensify the flavor of the yellow rice by blooming the ground turmeric first. This is done by essentially heating the spices in a little oil. This method extracts more flavor from the spice you are blooming.