Saffron Rice Pilaf With Toasted Almonds

This is a rice pilaf recipe that I make all the time. I started making it to avoid the sodium and preservatives in the boxed versions of rice pilaf. This recipe is healthy and the ingredients are inexpensive. It's one of my husband's favorite!

• Ready In: 26 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup white rice
• 1⁄3 cup  vermicelli, broken into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2  cups chicken broth
• 1  tablespoon butter or 1  tablespoon margarine
• 1  pinch saffron
• 2  tablespoons  slivered almonds
• 1  teaspoon seasoning salt

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan on medium-low heat, toast almonds until they turn a golden-brown color. Remove from saucepan and set aside.
2. In the same saucepan on medium heat, melt butter.
3. Add vermicelli noodles and brown for 1 minute.
4. Add rice and brown for 1-2 additional minutes being careful not to burn noodles or rice.
5. Add seasoned salt, saffron, toasted almonds and chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Cover saucepan and reduce heat to lowest setting. Cook covered for 16 minutes.
7. Remove lid and fluff with a fork.