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Persian Jeweled Rice: A Delightful Taste Journey! Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

Persian Jeweled Rice is a fragrant and colorful dish that combines basmati rice with a medley of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. This traditional Persian recipe features aromatic cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric, beautifully paired with sweet apricots, raisins, and crunchy almonds and pistachios, accented by fresh pomegranate seeds and citrus zest to create a festive and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Cooking Liquids

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 4 cups water

Fats 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 Garnishes

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the 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 well to ready it for cooking.
  2. Parboil the Rice: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and cook for about 10 minutes until it is al dente. Drain the rice promptly and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  3. Sauté Onions and Spices: In the same pot, melt the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and salt, cooking for another minute to release their fragrance.
  4. Layer the Rice and Mix-ins: Layer half of the cooked rice over the onion and spice mixture in the pot. Sprinkle half of the dried apricots, raisins, slivered almonds, and chopped pistachios evenly over the rice. Add the remaining rice on top and then distribute the rest of the dried fruits and nuts over the surface.
  5. Steam the Rice: Cover the pot tightly with a lid and cook on the lowest heat setting for 30 to 40 minutes. This slow steaming will allow the flavors to meld and the rice to become tender without burning.
  6. Rest the Rice: Once steaming is complete, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the rice to settle and steam further.
  7. Finish and Serve: Gently fluff the rice with a fork to combine. Fold in the fresh pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, orange zest, and lemon zest just before serving to add bursts of freshness and color to the dish.

Notes

  • Soaking the rice helps to achieve fluffy, separate grains after cooking.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution to prevent the rice from sticking or burning.
  • Adjust the amount of dried fruits and nuts based on personal preference for sweetness and texture.
  • For a vegetarian version, ensure the butter is replaced with a plant-based alternative.
  • Gently folding in fresh garnishes at the end prevents them from losing their bright color and texture.

Keywords: Persian rice, jeweled rice, basmati rice, dried fruits, nuts, Persian cuisine, festive rice dish, aromatic rice, Persian spices

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