Saffron Garlic Rice

1 3/4 cup water
1 bouillon cube
Pinch of saffron (5-6 threads)
2 tbsp olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced fine
1 small yellow onion, diced fine
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
Pinch of ground coriander
Salt and pepper
1/3 cup toasted, sliced almonds

In a medium saucepan boil the water, add the bouillon cube and stir until dissolved. Turn off the heat, add the saffron threads, and stir. Cover and set aside until ready to use.

Preheat a medium pot over medium heat. Saute the garlic in oil until it has softened and is jst starting to turn golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onion and continue to saute until the onion turns translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the rice and stir to combine. Saute the rice for about 1 minutes. Pour in the broth and stir in the coriander. Cover and bring to a boil, stir the rice just once, and lower the heat to low. Cover and let the rice simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Remove from heat and allow the rice to stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and add the toasted almonds. Season with slat and pepper if desired.

White Bean Aioli

Makes 1 1/2 cups. Takes 10 minutes.

1 (15 ounce) can of navy or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
1/4 tsp salt
Several pinches of pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, chopped

Combine the beans, lemon juice, salt and pepper in blender and puree until smooth, scraping down the sides a couple of times. Heat a small pan over low. Cook garlic in olive oil for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and oil to the mixture and puree. Taste for salt, pepper and lemon, and adjust to your liking. Transfer to a container, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Roasted Garlic

Take one or more whole, unpeeled and non-separated bulbs of garlic. With heavy, sharp knife, slice off approximately 1/2 inch of the entire top of the bulb, exposing the insides of the garlic cloves. Drizzle about one tablespoon of olive oil onto the top of the bulb, making sure the cut cloves are covered with oil and some oil sneaks into the spaces between the cloves. Wrap tightly in foil and bake at 375F for 20 to 30 minutes, until the cloves are very soft and turned a deep golden color. For slightly caramelized cloves, unwrap the tops of the bulbs and let them roast for an 8 to 10 additional minutes.