Description
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. Great with lamb, chicken, or vegetarian sides.
Ingredients
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
1. Rinse basmati rice several times until the water runs clear. Soak in salted water for at least 30 minutes.
2. 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.
3. In a pan, melt butter and sauté carrots, orange zest, barberries, and raisins. Add sugar and cook until soft and aromatic. Remove from heat.
4. Bloom saffron by crushing threads and steeping them in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
5. 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.
6. Cover the lid with a clean towel, place it tightly on the pot, and steam over low heat for 45 minutes.
7. Gently fluff rice with a fork and transfer to a platter. Garnish with extra pistachios and jewels. Serve warm.
Notes
Saffron can be replaced with turmeric for a budget-friendly color alternative.
Use dried cranberries if barberries are unavailable.
Soaking rice is essential to prevent clumping and ensures fluffy grains.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop Steaming
- Cuisine: Persian / Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop (~1 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 8mg