Persian Jeweled Rice: A Delightful Taste Journey Recipe

Introduction

Persian Jeweled Rice is a vibrant and fragrant dish that brings together colorful dried fruits, nuts, and spices for a truly delightful meal. This aromatic rice dish offers a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for special occasions or a unique family dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Vegetable oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. Step 2: 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 the rice and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pot, melt the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the ground cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and salt. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Layer half of the cooked rice over the onion mixture in the pot. Sprinkle half of the dried apricots, raisins, almonds, and pistachios over the rice.
6. Step 6: Add the remaining rice on top, followed by the rest of the dried fruits and nuts.
7. Step 7: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to steam.
8. Step 8: Once done, remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
9. Step 9: Fold in the pomegranate seeds, fresh parsley, orange zest, and lemon zest just before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra aroma, toast the almonds and pistachios lightly before mixing them into the rice.
• You can substitute dried apricots with dried cherries or cranberries for a different fruity twist.
• Use saffron infused in warm water for a richer color and deeper flavor.
• Serve with a side of yogurt or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover jeweled rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for quick meals or meal prep.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply replace the unsalted butter with additional vegetable oil or a plant-based margarine to keep the dish vegan.

Is it necessary to soak the rice?

Soaking the basmati rice helps the grains cook more evenly and results in a softer, fluffier texture, but if short on time, rinsing well can suffice.

Persian Jeweled Rice: A Delightful Taste Journey Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 114 reviews

Persian Jeweled Rice is a visually stunning and flavorful dish featuring aromatic basmati rice layered with sweet dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and fragrant spices. This classic Persian recipe combines saffron-like turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and fresh citrus zest to create a delightful taste experience that is both colorful and rich in texture. Perfect for a special occasion or an impressive centerpiece, this jeweled rice offers a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Persian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water

Spices and Aromatics

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Fats

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Vegetable oil (for sautéing)

Dried Fruits and Nuts

• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Herbs

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prep the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain thoroughly to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook 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 the rice and set it aside to prevent overcooking in next steps.
3. Sauté Onions and Spices: Using the same pot, melt the butter and vegetable oil together over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until golden brown, which typically takes 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in ground cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and salt, cooking for another minute to release their aromas.
4. Layer the Rice and Toppings: Layer half of the cooked rice evenly over the onion and spice mixture in the pot. Sprinkle half of the dried apricots, raisins, slivered almonds, and chopped pistachios on top. Add the remaining rice in a final layer, then top with the rest of the dried fruits and nuts for a beautiful presentation.
5. Steam the Rice: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to steam for 30 to 40 minutes, which helps the flavors to meld perfectly while the rice finishes cooking gently.
6. Rest and Fluff: After turning off the heat, let the rice sit uncovered for 10 minutes. This resting period lets the moisture redistribute. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and mix.
7. Add Fresh Garnishes: Just before serving, carefully fold in the pomegranate seeds, fresh parsley, orange zest, and lemon zest to add bursts of freshness and couleur that enhance both the flavor and appearance of the dish.

Notes

• Soaking the rice helps achieve a fluffy texture and prevents clumping.
• Be careful to use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure proper steaming.
• Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of dried fruits according to taste.
• For a richer flavor, some recipes add saffron dissolved in water during the steaming step.
• This dish pairs well with grilled meats or vegetable stews for a complete Persian-inspired meal.

Keywords: Persian Jeweled Rice, jeweled rice, Persian rice recipe, basmati rice, dried fruit rice, nut rice, Persian cuisine, festive rice dish