Name: Persian Jeweled Rice: A Delightful Taste Journey Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: 2 cups basmati rice; 4 cups water; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped; 1/2 cup raisins; 1/2 cup slivered almonds; 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped; 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 tablespoon lemon zest

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Introduction

Persian Jeweled Rice is a vibrant and aromatic dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with a beautiful mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. This colorful and flavorful recipe makes a stunning centerpiece for any special meal or celebration.

A white oval dish is filled with a colorful mix of cooked rice, which is light yellow and fluffy, topped with scattered dried fruits like brown raisins and dark red pomegranate seeds, along with green pistachios and fresh green cilantro leaves. The rice grains are long and separate easily, showing some orange pieces mixed in, possibly sliced nuts or vegetables. In the background, there is a white bowl with bright red pomegranate seeds and a large brass pot, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups basmati rice
4 cups water
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
Step 2: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the rice is al dente. Drain the rice and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pot, melt the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and salt. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Layer half of the cooked rice over the onion mixture in the pot. Sprinkle half of the dried apricots, raisins, almonds, and pistachios over the rice. Add the remaining rice on top, followed by the rest of the dried fruits and nuts.
Step 6: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 30–40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to steam.
Step 7: Once done, remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
Step 8: Gently fold in the pomegranate seeds, parsley, orange zest, and lemon zest before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra aroma, lightly toast the almonds and pistachios before adding them to the rice.
Swap dried apricots with dried cherries or cranberries for a different fruity twist.
If you prefer a richer flavor, use saffron soaked in warm water or milk and drizzle it over the rice before cooking.
Add a pinch of ground nutmeg for a warmer spice profile.

Storage

Store leftover jeweled rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white oval bowl filled with a colorful rice dish sits on a white marbled surface. The rice is long-grain and cooked, showing a fluffy texture with visible separate grains. Mixed throughout are dark red dried cranberries, pale yellow fried onions, bright green chopped herbs, and small pistachio pieces adding contrast and texture. The herbs are scattered evenly across the top, giving a fresh look. The fried onions add a golden brown color, and overall the dish looks rich, layered with different colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Basmati rice is preferred for its fragrance and fluffy texture, but you can use other long-grain rice varieties. Avoid short-grain rice as it tends to be stickier and less fluffy.

Is Persian Jeweled Rice suitable for vegans?

The traditional recipe includes butter, but you can make it vegan by substituting butter with additional vegetable oil or a plant-based butter alternative.