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A dish of Persian jeweled rice with toppings like carrots, pistachios, and almonds

Persian Jeweled Rice

Fatimah
This distinctive Persian jeweled rice is a unique addition to your dinning table. It will turn heads and capture the attention with its vibrant array of colors and exquisite aroma.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Persian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For The Rice

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 4 cardamom pods
  • 1 tablespoon 7 spice
  • ½ tablespoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 2 teaspoons ground fennel
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon saffron threads
  • 4 cups water
  • 2½ teaspoons salt
  • pomegranate (optional)

For The Jewel Mix

  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ⅓ cup coarsely chopped pistachios
  • ⅓ cup slivered almonds
  • ⅓ cup raisins / dried cranberries or barberries
  • 2 tablespoons EVOO (Extra virgin olive oil)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom

Instructions
 

  • Soak barberries in water for 10 minutes prior to cooking.
  • Add butter to the pot along with carrots and olive oil, then proceed to sauté the components.
  • Add sugar and mix until incorporated.
  • Cook on medium-low for 5 minutes, then add almonds and pistachios. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes before adding the raisins, cranberries or barberries, and orange blossoms. Cook for another 5 minutes then remove from the heat.
  • In another pot, add leftover butter and thinly sliced onions. Combine them with the cracked cardamom pods and simmer for 10-15 minutes over medium-low heat until onions become translucent.
  • Add the strained rice, mix, and add half of the jewel mixture and spices.
  • Add saffron threads to the 4 cups of hot water, let sit for 3 minutes, and add to the rice.
  • Let it come to a boil, then simmer on medium heat, covered, for 20 minutes.
  • Add the remaining jewel mix on top and, if desired, add pomegranate.

Notes

  • The first tip is to rinse and soak the rice before you cook it. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water is clean to remove excess starch. Also, soak the rice in salty water to prevent the grains from sticking together.
  • The second tip would be to stratify the rice. You can accomplish this by creating layers for the rice and saffron-infused water. Through this layering technique, you ensure that the rice absorbs the delicious saffron aroma flavor which achieves an evenly tint as well.
  • Choosing the right pot makes all the difference. Choose a nonstick pot to cook the rice in order to prevent the grains from sticking. This will yield fluffy and delicious rice.
  • After the rice is boiled and layered with saffron-infused water, cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and a tight-fitting lid. This helps trap the steam and ensures even cooking.
  • You can fluff the rice once it is cooked. Avoid using a spoon as it will cause the rice to clump together and will not achieve the required texture.
  • You should also be careful not to overcook the saffron as it can result in a bitter flavor. Make sure to gently warm the saffron threads in a dry pan for a few seconds before crushing and infusing them in hot water.
  • Achieving the perfect Persian Jeweled Rice takes time and practice. Don't rush the process and be patient with each step, from washing and soaking the rice to arranging the toppings. The result will be a dish that's worth the effort.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 1064mgPotassium: 209mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 632IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Iranian rice-pilaf, luxurious rice dishes, Persian rice
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