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+ servings

Persian Jeweled Rice

A fragrant and colorful rice dish adorned with nuts, fruits, and spices, perfect for special occasions.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: main dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: Persian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Rice
  • 2 cups Basmati rice rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
Nuts and Fruits
  • 1 cup slivered almonds toasted
  • 1 cup pistachios shelled and chopped
  • 1 cup dried apricots chopped
  • 1 cup raisins
Spices and Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground saffron soaked in 2 tablespoons of hot water
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons butter or oil
  • 4 cups water for cooking rice
  • 1 large onion finely chopped

Method
 

Prepare the Rice
  1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked basmati rice and salt. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until the rice is al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Nuts and Fruits
  1. In a frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Stir in the almonds, pistachios, dried apricots, and raisins. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Combine and Flavor
  1. In the pot with the rice, gently fold in the nut and fruit mixture, ground cinnamon, and saffron water. Drizzle the remaining butter on top. Cover and let it steam on low heat for 20 minutes.
Serve
  1. Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with additional nuts and dried fruits if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is often served during festive occasions and pairs well with grilled meats.

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