Description
A dazzling crown jewel of Persian cuisine, this Jeweled Rice is a stunning dish that brings together sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Fluffy basmati rice is layered with caramelized onions, sweet dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and a touch of warm saffron. It is as visually striking as it is delicious, earning its name from the colorful glint of ingredients like golden raisins, ruby red barberries, emerald pistachios, and more.
Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice
1 large onion, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
2 tablespoons hot water (for saffron)
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons dried barberries
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 tablespoon orange zest
Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse 2 cups of basmati rice until the water runs clear, then soak in water for 30 minutes.
2. Steep 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads in 2 tablespoons hot water and set aside.
3. Boil salted water, add soaked rice, and cook for 6–7 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add sliced onion and caramelize for 20–25 minutes.
5. Stir in almonds, pistachios, dried cherries, golden raisins, and barberries. Add cinnamon, cardamom, and orange zest. Sauté for 5 minutes.
6. In a clean pot, layer 1/3 of the rice, then a layer of the fruit and nut mixture. Repeat until all is used. Drizzle saffron water on top.
7. Cover with a clean towel and lid. Steam on low heat for 20 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
Be sure to rinse and soak the rice for fluffy, non-sticky grains.
Barberries add an authentic tart note, but dried cranberries are a great substitute.
Toast the nuts lightly before adding to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop and Steam
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Persian rice, saffron rice, jeweled rice