Description
Looking for a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious? Delicious Persian Jeweled Rice is your answer. This traditional Persian recipe is bursting with color, aroma, and rich flavors from saffron, dried fruits, and nuts. It’s perfect for festive occasions or whenever you want to impress. Whether you’re exploring new dinner ideas, searching for an easy recipe with wow-factor, or need a quick show-stopper for your table, this healthy side dish delivers elegance in every bite. Ideal for celebrations, dinner parties, and unforgettable food ideas that everyone will love.
Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice
1 pinch saffron threads
2 tablespoons warm water
1/4 cup dried barberries or cranberries
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 tablespoons butter or ghee
1 teaspoon salt
Water for boiling
Instructions
1. Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear, then soak it in salted water for 30 minutes.
2. Crush saffron threads and mix with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Let it steep while preparing other ingredients.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drain the soaked rice and parboil for 6–7 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In a skillet, melt butter or ghee. Sauté barberries, raisins, apricots, almonds, and pistachios for 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same pan, cook julienned carrots with orange zest, cinnamon, and cardamom until soft and fragrant.
6. Lightly oil the bottom of a nonstick pot. Layer the rice, then saffron water, then sautéed fruits, nuts, and carrots. Repeat layers.
7. Wrap the lid in a clean kitchen towel and cover the pot tightly. Steam on low heat for 30–40 minutes until flavors meld and tahdig forms.
8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with extra fruits or nuts if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Use a nonstick pot or Dutch oven to prevent burning and get the best tahdig.
You can substitute cranberries for barberries if unavailable.
For a vegan version, simply use plant-based butter or oil instead of ghee.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: persian rice, jeweled rice, easy recipe, dinner ideas, healthy side dish