Jeweled Rice

Transform your dinner table into a feast for the senses with this stunning Jeweled Rice recipe, a dish inspired by Persian culinary traditions. Fluffy basmati rice is layered with aromatic saffron, a medley of sweet and tangy dried fruits like apricots and golden raisins, and the irresistible crunch of pistachios and slivered almonds. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and brightened by the citrusy zest of orange, this dish truly shines with its vibrant colors and exquisite flavors. Finished with a dazzling garnish of ruby-red pomegranate seeds and optional fresh parsley, Jeweled Rice is perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or when you simply want to elevate your side dish game. With its tantalizing aroma, rich textures, and beautiful presentation, this recipe is sure to captivate both your eyes and your palate.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons Orange zest
• 0.33 cup Dried apricots, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup Golden raisins
• 0.33 cup Pistachios, chopped
• 0.33 cup Slivered almonds
• 0.5 teaspoon Saffron threads
• 3 tablespoons Hot water
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cardamom
• 0.5 cup Pomegranate seeds
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in fresh cold water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until the rice is slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in 3 tablespoons of hot water. Set aside to steep.

Step 4

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden and soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the orange zest, dried apricots, and golden raisins. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the dried fruits are softened.

Step 6

Add the pistachios, slivered almonds, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and set aside.

Step 7

In the same large pot used for boiling the rice, add a thin layer of butter or oil at the bottom to prevent sticking. Add a thin layer of par-cooked rice, followed by a layer of the fruit and nut mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of rice.

Step 8

Drizzle the steeped saffron water over the rice and cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel before placing the lid on tightly. This helps trap steam.

Step 9

Cook the rice over low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to steam to perfection.

Step 10

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, being careful not to mix too vigorously.

Step 11

Transfer the jeweled rice to a serving platter and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and parsley (if using). Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1598.1 grams (1598.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1609

Total Fat 72.10g	92%
Saturated Fat 17.70g	89%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.70g
Cholesterol 66mg	22%
Sodium 2557mg	111%
Total Carbohydrate 218.80g	80%
Dietary Fiber 23.90g	85%
Total Sugars 76.60g
Protein 40.50g	81%

Vitamin D 5IU	23%
Calcium 355mg	27%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 2324mg	49%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.5%

Protein: 9.6%

Carbs: 51.9%