Print

Persian Jeweled Rice

Persian Jeweled RiceIngredients Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Persian Jeweled Rice is a vibrant and aromatic dish featuring basmati rice cooked with a colorful blend of dried fruits, nuts, and fragrant spices. This stunning rice dish, often served at Persian celebrations, combines sweet, savory, and citrus notes, making it a delightful centerpiece for any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Cooking Liquids

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 4 cups water

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Fat and Aromatics

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

Dried Fruits and Nuts

  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped

Fresh Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes to loosen the grains, then drain thoroughly.
  2. Parboil the Rice: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and cook for about 10 minutes or until the rice is al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  3. Sauté Onions and Spices: In the same pot, melt the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir in cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and salt, and cook for another minute until the spices release their aroma.
  4. Layer the Rice and Add-Ins: Layer half of the cooked rice over the onion and spice mixture in the pot. Sprinkle half of the dried apricots, raisins, slivered almonds, and chopped pistachios evenly over the rice. Add the remaining rice on top and then layer the remaining dried fruits and nuts.
  5. Steam the Rice: Cover the pot tightly with a lid to trap the steam. Cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking through gentle steaming.
  6. Rest the Rice: Once cooking is complete, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes to set and absorb any remaining moisture.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then fold in the pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, orange zest, and lemon zest to add a fresh, colorful finish before serving.

Notes

  • For enhanced fragrance and authenticity, soak saffron threads in warm water and add to the rice before steaming.
  • You can substitute the dried apricots and raisins with other dried fruits like figs or dates to tailor the sweetness to your liking.
  • Toasting the nuts slightly before use will deepen their flavor and add crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Persian Jeweled Rice, jeweled rice, basmati rice recipe, Persian rice dish, festive rice recipe, nut and fruit rice, cinnamon cardamom rice, colorful rice dish

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/persian-jeweled-rice/