Description
Persian Jeweled Rice is a vibrant and fragrant dish that combines basmati rice with a delightful mix of nuts, dried fruits, and spices, creating a festive centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups basmati rice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon saffron threads
2 tablespoons hot water
1 tablespoon butter
0.5 cup slivered almonds
0.5 cup pistachios
1 large onion
thinly sliced
0.5 cup dried apricots
chopped
0.5 cup raisins
0.25 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons candied orange peel
2 tablespoons butter or ghee for cooking
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
- Dissolve saffron threads in hot water and set aside to steep.
- In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the thinly sliced onion. Sauté until golden brown.
- Add the drained rice to the pot along with salt and sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in enough water to cover the rice, then add the saffron water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee. Add slivered almonds, pistachios, dried apricots, raisins, cranberries, and candied orange peel. Sauté until the nuts are toasted and the dried fruits are fragrant.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and gently fold in the sautéed mixture of nuts and dried fruits.
- Serve warm as a beautiful side dish or a festive main course.
Notes
Feel free to customize the dried fruits and nuts based on your preference. This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a vegetarian main course.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Persian Jeweled Rice, basmati rice, saffron, festive rice dish, dried fruits