Jeweled Rice
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
524 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Jeweled Rice
Description
Jeweled Rice features basmati rice cooked with turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and other spices until tender and aromatic. The rice is enriched by sautéed onion, garlic, and julienned carrot, which provide gentle sweetness and depth. Separately, pistachios, almonds, raisins, and pomegranate seeds are toasted in butter to develop a crunchy, nutty contrast to the soft rice. The dish is finished by drizzling a saffron infusion over the combined rice and fruit-nut mixture, adding a distinctive golden hue and delicate aroma.
The texture contrasts between the fluffy seasoned rice and the crisp toasted nuts with bursts of sweetness from the raisins and pomegranate seeds create complexity in each bite. The saffron water’s floral touch lifts the overall taste without overwhelming.
This dish is best served warm as a flavorful and colorful accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats and vegetables. It can also stand alone as a vegetarian dish due to the fruit and nut components imparting richness.
Rinsing the basmati thoroughly before cooking helps achieve a light, separate grain texture. Allowing the rice to stand after cooking aids fluffiness. Toasting the nuts and fruits in butter just before combining enhances their flavor and texture contrast. The recipe notes mention that nutritional information is estimated and not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 250 g rice Basmati
- 400 ml water
- 50 ml neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 1 onion Finely chopped
- 1 carrot Peeled and julienne
- 2 cloves garlic Minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ¼ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
Fruit and Nut Mixture
- 50 g butter Unsalted
- 30 g pistachio Unsalted
- 30 g almonds Slivered
- 30 g raisins
- 30 g pomegranate Seeds
Saffron Mixture
- ¼ tsp saffron Threads
- 50 ml water
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice in cold water and set aside.
- Place saffron in a small bowl and add 50ml hot water and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and carrot, and cook until soft and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pan, along with 400ml of water. Stir well to combine and reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pistachios, almonds, pomegranate seeds, and raisins, and toast, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir the fruit and nut mixture into the cooked rice and drizzle the saffron mixture over the rice.
- Place a clean kitchen towel over the pot, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and secure loose edges of the towel on top of the lid.
- Cook until pot begins to steam, 6-8 minutes. Reduce heat to very low and cook, without stirring, until rice is tender.
Notes
- Rinse basmati rice well before cooking to ensure fluffy, separate grains.
- Toasting nuts and fruits in butter just before mixing enhances their crunch and flavor.
- Allow the rice to rest covered for a few minutes after cooking to finish steaming for better texture.
- Saffron threads benefit from steeping in hot water to release their color and aroma before adding to the rice.
- Nutritional information is provided as an estimate and should not be considered a guarantee.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 524 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 524kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 83g | 28% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 53mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 343mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 3567IU | 71% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 55mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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