Description
Make your dinner table dazzle with this Persian Jeweled Rice—a spectacular blend of fluffy basmati, golden saffron, sweet dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and aromatic spices. Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or anytime you want a dish that stuns with both looks and flavor. It’s a fragrant and exotic side or main that effortlessly pairs with meats, salads, or dips. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a vegetarian-friendly centerpiece, or new food ideas for entertaining, this jewel-toned rice will quickly become a go-to favorite. From quick meal planning to elegant dinner ideas, this is one recipe that truly stands out.
Ingredients
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, then soak in salted water for 30 minutes.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook rice until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and toast the almonds and pistachios. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, caramelize the onions until golden brown. Add dried apricots, raisins, cranberries, and candied orange peel. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fruits plump.
5. Steep saffron threads in 2 tablespoons hot water for 5–10 minutes. Pour over a portion of the cooked rice and stir to color it.
6. In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter or ghee. Layer the rice: start with white rice, then saffron rice, then fruit and nut mixture. Repeat.
7. Cover the pot with a kitchen towel under the lid and steam on low heat for 25 minutes.
8. Gently fluff before serving and garnish with reserved nuts and fruits.
Notes
Make sure to soak the rice for perfect, fluffy grains.
Use real saffron for authentic flavor and color—it’s worth it!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop Steamed
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: jeweled rice, Persian rice, saffron rice, basmati recipe, holiday rice, dinner party side