Description

This gourmet paste features roasted garlic and saffron, creating a rich and savory seasoning that elevates simple seafood dishes with vibrant color and depth. It’s an easy high-impact recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head garlic (approx. 60g)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
0.5g saffron threads (about 1/4 teaspoon)
2 tablespoons warm filtered water
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top from the garlic head, drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast for 30–40 minutes until soft and golden. Allow the roasted garlic to cool slightly.
Steep the Saffron: While the garlic roasts, place the saffron threads in a small bowl. Pour 2 tablespoons of warm water over them and let them steep for 15–20 minutes to release flavor and color.
Prepare the Paste Base: Squeeze the softened garlic cloves from their skins into a medium bowl and mash thoroughly with a fork until smooth. Add the steeped saffron and water, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Mix and Combine Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and dill. Mix all ingredients vigorously until a uniform, thick golden-orange paste forms. If the paste is too thick to spread, stir in an extra teaspoon of olive oil to loosen it.
Store and Serve: Transfer the finished paste to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Serve by placing a dollop in a small bowl, creating a swirl, and garnishing with reserved saffron threads and parsley.

Notes

This seasoning paste is ideal for quick weeknight meals; prepare a batch in advance for use throughout the week. To avoid contamination, separate the amount you plan to use for a single meal from the main batch before serving. This paste is not suitable for freezing, as it can cause fresh herbs to lose flavor and change texture upon thawing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 45 kcal
Sugar: 0.5 g
Sodium: 250 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 0.5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: seafood seasoning, saffron paste, roasted garlic, fish seasoning, gourmet shortcut, fresh herb paste, quick meal prep