Description
Elevate your dinner table with this spectacular Persian Jeweled Rice, a show-stopping dish layered with vibrant colors and rich flavors. This easy recipe combines saffron-infused basmati rice with sweet dried fruits, tangy orange zest, crunchy nuts, and warming spices. It’s the ultimate choice for those searching for *dinner ideas*, *healthy sides*, or a dish worthy of celebration. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or exploring *Middle Eastern food ideas*, this jeweled rice fits beautifully as a *quick special dinner*, *vegetarian option*, or *unique rice side dish*.
Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice
1 teaspoon saffron threads
1 tablespoon hot water
1 medium orange, zested (or 1/4 cup candied orange peel)
1/2 cup dried barberries or dried cranberries
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons butter or ghee
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Salt, to taste
Water, for boiling
Instructions
1. Rinse basmati rice in cold water until it runs clear, then soak in salted water for 30 minutes.
2. In a pan, melt butter or ghee and sauté onions until caramelized. Add carrots, orange zest, dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
3. Boil water in a large pot, drain soaked rice, and parboil for 5–7 minutes. Drain again.
4. In the same pot, melt more butter and add a layer of rice for the crust (tahdig). Alternate layers of rice and the fruit-nut mixture.
5. Dissolve saffron in 1 tbsp hot water and drizzle on top.
6. Cover with a towel-wrapped lid and steam on low for 30–45 minutes.
7. Fluff rice gently and garnish with more pistachios and saffron before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, bloom saffron in warm water and let it steep before drizzling.
Barberries are traditional, but cranberries or chopped dried apricots are great substitutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Persian rice, saffron rice, jeweled rice, celebration rice, holiday sides