Saffron Salt Recipes

Steps:

• In clean spice or coffee grinder, pulse together salt, saffron and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) water until vibrant yellow with a few saffron threads intact.
• Store in dark glass or nonreactive airtight container in cool dark place for up to 1 month.

Steps:

• Toast the fennel seeds in a dry skillet until they are fragrant.
• Using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, finely grind the orange peel and chile. Add the fennel and grind until the seeds are coarsely ground. Blend the fennel mixture with the saffron and salt. Store in an airtight container.

Steps:

• Pour 2 cups of boiling water into a bowl and sprinkle with the saffron strands. Use a spoon to press the saffron strands against the side of the bowl to release the flavor. Cover the bowl with a plate and set aside.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over low. Add the bell peppers, onion, tomatoes, garlic and cilantro stems, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is transparent.
• Nestle the fish into the vegetables, sprinkle with the paprika, red-pepper flakes (if using), 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour the prepared saffron water over everything. (You can do all of this in advance 1 day in advance, and refrigerate until ready to finish.)
• When ready to cook, add the olives and preserved lemon (if using - but if using fresh lemon, that will come in Step 5). Bring the mixture to a boil over high, reduce to low, cover the pan and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, basting the fish every 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the cilantro leaves during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Taste for seasoning and serve, setting the fish on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice, if not using the preserved lemon. Serve warm or at room temperature.