Description
This jeweled basmati rice dish is a vibrant and aromatic staple, showcasing the exquisite blend of saffron, fruits, and nuts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 3/4 cup barberries or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, diced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup shelled pistachios
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons orange zest or dried orange peel
- 3 tablespoons butter (plus more for greasing and topping)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 cardamom pods
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- Water for soaking, boiling, and blooming saffron
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then soak in salted water for 30 minutes. Drain well.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until soft. Stir in the carrot and cook for 4–5 minutes until just softened.
- Crush saffron threads and steep in 2 tablespoons hot water. Let bloom while you continue.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the soaked rice, boil for 5–6 minutes until almost tender, then drain. Reserve 1 cup of cooked rice and mix it with the saffron water for later.
- Layer half the rice into the heavy pot. Top with half of the carrot-onion mixture, half the orange zest, barberries, and apricots. Repeat with the remaining rice and toppings. Finish with the saffron-infused rice on top. Dot with 1 tablespoon butter.
- Cover the pot with a kitchen towel and lid. Steam over low heat for 30–35 minutes.
- In a small pan, melt remaining butter. Toast the almonds and pistachios until lightly golden. Add the rest of the barberries, a bit of orange zest, and the sugar, sautéing until the fruit is glossy and plump.
- Turn the rice out onto a serving platter. Scatter the jeweled nut and fruit topping over the rice. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe can be customized by adding other dried fruits or nuts as per preference.
- For vegan options, replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg