Mediterranean Bison Sliders

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup uncooked basmati rice
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 2 pound 90-percent-lean ground bison
• 1/4 cup chopped raisins
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided
• 3 tablespoons chopped mint, divided, plus whole leaves for garnish
• 2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 stem saffron (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium marinara sauce
• 24 small brioche buns (1 1/2-inch diameter)