Description
Persian Jeweled Rice is a vibrant and aromatic dish that captivates the senses with its fluffy, saffron-infused grains and a delightful medley of sweet and savory flavors. Each bite reveals a symphony of textures, from the tender rice to the crunchy nuts and chewy dried fruits, creating a truly indulgent experience.
Ingredients
- Rice: 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
- Water: 4 cups
- Saffron: 1/4 teaspoon, steeped in 2 tablespoons hot water
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, divided
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, grated
- Almonds: 1/2 cup, slivered
- Pistachios: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Raisins: 1/2 cup
- Orange zest: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cardamom: 1/2 teaspoon, ground
- Rosewater: 1 tablespoon (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked basmati rice and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the rice is al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add the grated carrots, slivered almonds, chopped pistachios, raisins, orange zest, black pepper, and ground cardamom. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
- Layer the cooked rice over the sautéed mixture, then drizzle the saffron water and remaining butter on top. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- After 30 minutes, remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. If using, drizzle with rosewater before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made a day in advance; simply reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seeds for the almonds and pistachios.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: sautéing
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 300 milligrams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
- Cholesterol: 20 milligrams
Keywords: Persian Jeweled Rice, saffron rice, basmati rice, Persian cuisine, festive rice, vegetarian dishes, rice pilaf, Middle Eastern recipes, jeweled rice, rice with nuts, rice with fruits, traditional Persian food, aromatic rice, colorful rice, holiday dishes