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Persian Jeweled Rice: A Delightful Taste Journey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 103 reviews

Persian Jeweled Rice is a vibrant, aromatic dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with a medley of dried fruits, nuts, and bright citrus zest. Rich with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric, this traditional Persian recipe offers a colorful and flavorful experience, perfect as a festive side or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Cooking Liquid

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 4 cups water

Fat and Aromatics

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Dried Fruits and Nuts

  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped

Fresh Ingredients and Zests

  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Rinse and Soak Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain completely.
  2. Parboil the Rice: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the soaked rice and cook for about 10 minutes until the rice is al dente. Drain the rice and set aside to prevent overcooking in later steps.
  3. Sauté Onions and Spices: Using the same pot, melt the unsalted butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in ground cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and salt, cooking for an additional minute until the spices are fragrant.
  4. Layer Ingredients: Begin layering half of the cooked rice over the onion and spice mixture in the pot. Evenly sprinkle half of the chopped dried apricots, raisins, slivered almonds, and chopped pistachios over the rice. Add the remaining rice on top of this layer, followed by the rest of the dried fruits and nuts.
  5. Steam the Rice: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld while the rice finishes steaming and becoming tender.
  6. Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes to settle. After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and evenly distribute ingredients.
  7. Add Fresh Garnishes: Gently fold in the pomegranate seeds, freshly chopped parsley, orange zest, and lemon zest right before serving to add a burst of fresh flavor and color.

Notes

  • Rinsing and soaking the basmati rice is essential for achieving fluffy, non-sticky grains.
  • Soaking dried fruits in warm water briefly before use can plump them up for better texture.
  • Toasting nuts lightly before adding can enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or a fresh yogurt sauce for a complete meal.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even steaming without burning.

Keywords: Persian rice, Jeweled rice, basmati, dried fruits, nuts, aromatic rice, festive rice dish

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/persian-jeweled-rice-a-delightful-taste-journey-recipe/