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Persian Jeweled Rice

Persian Jeweled Rice is a vibrant and aromatic rice dish made by fluffing cooked saffron-infused rice and mixing in tender dried fruits, toasted nuts, and colorful candied vegetables. The final dish has a fluffy, slightly sticky texture with a jewel-toned appearance, combining sweet, savory, and crunchy elements in each bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Persian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup basmati rice rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
  • 1 pinch saffron threads crushed and steeped in hot water
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots chopped
  • 1/4 cup pistachios shelled and toasted
  • 1/4 cup candied orange peel chopped
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Drain the soaked rice and set aside. In a small bowl, steep the saffron threads in a few tablespoons of hot water until fragrant and bright yellow.
  2. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan, add a pinch of salt, and then stir in the rice. Cook until the rice is just tender and about half the water is absorbed, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, gently fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Drizzle the saffron water over the rice and fold gently to evenly distribute the color and aroma.
  4. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the chopped dried apricots and cook until slightly softened, about 2 minutes.
  5. Add the toasted pistachios and chopped candied orange peel to the skillet, and cook for another minute so the flavors meld together with a delicious aroma.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the honey, coating the fruit and nuts evenly for a touch of sweetness.
  7. Gently fold the fruit and nut mixture into the saffron rice, mixing just enough to combine but keeping the grains fluffy and separate.
  8. Taste the rice and season with salt as needed, then transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with extra toasted pistachios if desired.
  9. Serve the jeweled rice warm or at room temperature as a colorful and fragrant main or side dish.

Notes

Using fragrant saffron and fresh ingredients highlights the dish’s vibrant visual and flavor profile. To toast pistachios, spread them on a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then cool before chopping.