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Persian Jeweled Rice

Persian Jeweled Rice

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Persian Jeweled Rice is a vibrant, festive dish that captivates both the eye and the palate. This delightful recipe combines fluffy basmati rice with the enchanting flavors of saffron, sweet dried fruits, and crunchy nuts, making it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this jeweled rice dish is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable to suit your taste. With its colorful presentation and rich flavors, Persian Jeweled Rice will undoubtedly impress your guests and become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 2 tablespoons hot water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 0.5 cup slivered almonds
  • 0.5 cup pistachios
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 0.5 cup raisins
  • 0.25 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons candied orange peel
  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee for cooking

Instructions

  1. Rinse basmati rice under cold water until clear; soak in salted water for 30 minutes.
  2. Boil a large pot of water, add soaked rice and salt; cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter; toast almonds and pistachios until golden brown.
  4. In the same pan, caramelize sliced onions until golden; add dried apricots, raisins, cranberries, and candied orange peel; sauté for about 3 minutes.
  5. Steep saffron in hot water for about 5–10 minutes; pour over some cooked rice and stir gently.
  6. Layer half of the plain rice in a heavy pot followed by half of the saffron-infused rice and fruit-nut mixture; repeat layers.
  7. Cover with a kitchen towel under the lid and steam on low heat for about 25 minutes.
  8. Fluff the rice gently before serving warm.

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