Persian Jeweled Rice
A vibrant and festive rice dish infused with dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice Rinsed and soaked for at least 30 minutes
- 4 cups water For cooking the rice
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds, slivered
- 1/4 cup orange zest
- 1/4 cup sugar Adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads Dissolved in warm water
- Salt to taste Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup butter or ghee For sautéing
- Ground cinnamon Ground cinnamon (optional) For added flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain.
- In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and a pinch of salt. Cook until the rice is almost done, about 10 minutes. Drain the rice and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter or ghee. Add the dried fruits, nuts, orange zest, and sugar. Stir for a few minutes until the nuts are lightly toasted.
- Mix in the saffron dissolved in a tablespoon of warm water and ground cinnamon if using.
- Layer the partially cooked rice over the fruit and nut mixture in the saucepan. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Notes
Serve on a large platter to showcase the vibrant colors. Garnish with extra nuts or saffron for flair. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 220mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12g
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