Mastering Persian jeweled rice with this easy-peasy recipe
Persian jeweled rice, a gem from the heart of Iranian cuisine, is a celebration of flavors and colors. Traditionally served at weddings and festive occasions, this dish is known for its vibrant mix of fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices. It's a vegetarian and eggless recipe that promises to be as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare this exquisite dish, you will need one cup basmati rice, two tablespoons olive oil, one large onion finely sliced, one teaspoon turmeric powder, one-half teaspoon cumin seeds, one-half cup orange zest strips, one-quarter cup cranberries or barberries if available, one-quarter cup raisins, and one-quarter cup slivered almonds and pistachios each. Also gather two tablespoons sugar and salt to taste.
Prepare the rice
Begin by washing the basmati rice until the water is clear to remove excess starch. Soak it in fresh water for at least 30 minutes, which is key for a fluffier texture post-cooking. After the soaking period, drain the rice completely. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt to taste, readying it for the rice.
Cook with spices
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add cumin seeds. Allow them to sizzle briefly, releasing their fragrance. Add the sliced onions next, sauteing until they turn a rich golden brown. Finally, blend in the turmeric powder thoroughly. This process not only creates a fragrant foundation for the jeweled rice but also imparts a beautiful golden color to the dish.
Combine ingredients
To the fragrant onion mixture, add the drained rice, stirring it gently to ensure each grain is evenly coated with the aromatic spices without breaking them. Carefully pour boiling water over the rice until it stands about one inch above the rice level. Cook this over high heat, watching as the water is absorbed, setting the foundation for a perfectly cooked jeweled rice.
Add jewels
Turn the heat to low and sprinkle sugar over the rice. Scatter orange zest, cranberries, raisins, almonds, and pistachios on top. Cover the pot tightly with a lid to let steam build, completing the cooking and infusing the flavors for about 20 minutes. Then remove from heat and keep it covered for five more minutes before serving.
