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Persian Jeweled Rice

A visually stunning rice dish adorned with colorful fruits and nuts, perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Persian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups basmati rice Rinse and soak for 30 minutes.
  • 4 cups water For cooking rice.
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil or butter For sautéing vegetables.
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads Dissolve in warm water.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt To taste.
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots Add color and texture.
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried apricots For sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds or pistachios For topping.
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds For garnish.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth and flavor.
Optional Garnish
  • Fresh herbs Optional, for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Soak the rinsed rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
  3. In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water and set aside.
Cooking
  1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add salt, and then add the soaked rice.
  2. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until the rice is al dente. Drain the rice and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, heat the vegetable oil (or butter) over medium heat.
  4. Add diced carrots and sauté until tender. Mix in raisins or dried apricots.
  5. Add the par-cooked rice to the pot.
  6. Drizzle the saffron water over the rice and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Gently mix the rice to combine all ingredients without breaking the grains.
  7. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow the rice to steam for another 15-20 minutes.
Serving
  1. Remove the pot from heat, let it sit for 5 minutes, then gently fluff the rice with a fork.
  2. Serve topped with slivered almonds or pistachios, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.

Notes

Consider adding crushed cardamom or toasted nuts for extra flavor. Drizzling honey on top enhances sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot with a splash of water or microwave.