Persian Jeweled Rice
This Persian Jeweled Rice is a vibrant dish packed with saffron-soaked basmati rice, jewel-toned dried fruits, nuts, and crispy tahdig. It's a stunning side or main course, full of sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl large
- 1 Pressure cooker
- 1 Small saucepan for syrup glaze
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice rinsed and soaked
- Kosher salt to taste for soaking and boiling water
- ¼ cup Hot water for saffron
- 1 pinch Saffron soaked
- 2 tablespoons Yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil for tahdig
- 2 tablespoons Butter for tahdig
- 1 Orange peel sliced and blanched
- 1 Carrot peeled and cut into matchsticks
- ½ cup Sugar
- ½ cup Water for glaze
- 1 Onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup Dried apricots chopped
- ½ cup Golden raisins
- ½ cup Red raisins
- 1 cup Sliced almonds
- 1 cup Pistachios roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Cardamom
- Olive oil extra for finishing
- 1 tablespoon Butter for finishing
Instructions
Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Soak rice in cold salted water for 30 minutes, then drain well.
- Blanch sliced orange peel in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain.
- In a small pot, combine orange peel, carrots, sugar, and water. Simmer until syrupy and tender.
- Boil water in a large pot, salt it, add soaked rice and boil 5-6 minutes until firm but cooked. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a pressure cooker pot, heat olive oil and butter. Add half the rice mixed with yogurt and saffron water. Layer the remaining rice on top, poke holes with spoon handle.
- Cover lid with clean towel, place on pot. Cook on medium for 10 minutes, then low heat for 20 minutes.
- Allow pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
- Top with sautéed fruit, nuts, and garnish with fresh parsley or mint.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth. For crispy tahdig, re-sear in a skillet with butter after heating.