Description
Delicious Persian Jeweled Rice is a vibrant, fragrant basmati rice dish featuring saffron, orange zest, dried fruits, and nuts. This festive recipe is ideal for special occasions, offering a sweet-savory balance and stunning presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons hot water (for blooming saffron)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup barberries (or dried cranberries)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup shelled pistachios
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
Instructions
- Rinse basmati rice several times until the water runs clear. Soak in salted water for at least 30 minutes.
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the rice and boil for 6–8 minutes until it’s soft on the outside but firm inside. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, melt butter and sauté carrots, orange zest, barberries, and raisins. Add sugar and cook until soft and aromatic. Remove from heat.
- Bloom saffron by crushing threads and steeping them in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
- In a non-stick pot, add canola oil and a bit of butter. Optionally line with potato slices or flatbread for tahdig. Begin layering: rice, jeweled mix, nuts. Repeat, finishing with rice on top. Drizzle saffron water over.
- Cover the lid with a clean towel, place it tightly on the pot, and steam over low heat for 45 minutes.
- Gently fluff rice with a fork and transfer to a platter. Garnish with extra pistachios and jewels. Serve warm.
Notes
- Great with lamb, chicken, or vegetarian sides.
- Can adjust dried fruits according to preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Persian Jeweled Rice, Basmati Rice, Festive Rice Dish