Jeweled Rice, a tantalizing dish that has been celebrated for centuries, traces its roots back to the Middle East. This colorful and flavorful recipe is often associated with special occasions and feasts, thanks to its ornate presentation and rich ingredients.

Originating in Persia, Jeweled Rice has traveled across borders and taken on various adaptations throughout the years, each one adding a unique twist to this beloved dish.

The recipe itself may appear intricate at first glance, but fear not, as the process is simpler than it seems. With a bit of patience and the right ingredients, you can recreate this stunning dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

From fragrant saffron to sweet dried fruits and crunchy nuts, Jeweled Rice combines a symphony of flavors that will enchant your taste buds with every bite.

Expert Tip: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.

Ingredients

Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is a long-grain rice known for its fragrance and delicate flavor. It cooks up fluffy and separate, making it perfect for pilafs and biryanis.

Oil: Oil is used for sautéing the onions, carrots, and garlic to build flavor in the dish.

Onion: Onions add a savory sweetness to the dish when sautéed, creating a flavorful base for the jeweled rice.

Carrot: Carrots provide a pop of color and a hint of sweetness to the dish, balancing out the savory and aromatic spices.

Garlic: Garlic adds a depth of flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall savory profile of the jeweled rice.

Salt: Salt is a necessary seasoning that helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish.

Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder adds a vibrant yellow color to the rice and a warm, earthy flavor.

Cumin Powder: Cumin powder adds a warm, slightly nutty flavor to the dish, complementing the other spices and aromatics.

Cardamom Powder: Cardamom powder adds a floral, citrusy note to the jeweled rice, enhancing the overall aromatic profile.

Butter: Butter lends richness and a velvety texture to the rice, enhancing its flavor and mouthfeel.

Pistachios: Pistachios add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the dish, providing a contrast to the soft rice and tender vegetables.

Almonds: Almonds add a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness to the jeweled rice, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

Raisins: Raisins add a burst of natural sweetness to the dish, creating little pockets of flavor throughout the jeweled rice.

Pomegranate Seeds: Pomegranate seeds add a juicy pop of sweetness and a burst of color to the dish, making it visually appealing.

Saffron Threads: Saffron threads add a subtle floral aroma and a rich golden color to the jeweled rice, elevating its presentation and flavor.

Expert Tip: Toasting the nuts and fruits before adding them to the rice enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

When serving Jeweled Rice, consider pairing it with some delicious side dishes to complement its rich flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Start by garnishing the Jeweled Rice with a sprinkle of pistachios, almonds, raisins, and pomegranate seeds. This adds a pop of color and texture to the dish, making it visually appealing.
• For a complete meal, serve the Jeweled Rice alongside some grilled chicken or lamb kebabs. The savory protein will balance out the sweetness of the rice, creating a well-rounded meal.
• To add a creamy element to the dish, consider serving a dollop of Greek yogurt or a side of cucumber raita. The coolness of the yogurt will contrast nicely with the warm, aromatic flavors of the rice.
• For an extra touch of luxury, drizzle some melted butter over the Jeweled Rice just before serving. The buttery flavor will enhance the nuttiness of the rice and create a decadent finishing touch.
• Pair the Jeweled Rice with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh greens will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, spiced flavors of the rice.
• To create a complete Middle Eastern feast, serve the Jeweled Rice alongside some hummus, baba ganoush, and warm pita bread. This assortment of dips and breads will offer a variety of flavors and textures to enjoy alongside the rice.

Expert Tip: When cooking the rice with the saffron mixture, ensure the lid is tightly sealed with a kitchen towel to trap the steam, allowing the saffron aroma to infuse throughout the rice for a rich flavor and vibrant color.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jeweled Rice?

Jeweled Rice is a modern twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish made with a variety of colorful ingredients such as dried fruits, nuts, and spices.

Is Jeweled Rice difficult to make?

While Jeweled Rice may seem intimidating to make, it is actually quite simple with the right ingredients and steps.

What ingredients are typically used in Jeweled Rice?

Some common ingredients in Jeweled Rice include basmati rice, toasted nuts (such as pistachios or almonds), dried fruits (like cranberries or apricots), saffron, and a mix of warm spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin.

Can I customize Jeweled Rice to my preferences?

Absolutely! Jeweled Rice is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can vary the types of nuts, dried fruits, and spices used to create a dish that you will love.

Is Jeweled Rice a suitable dish for special occasions?

Yes, Jeweled Rice is often served at special occasions and celebrations due to its vibrant and festive appearance. It is perfect for weddings, holidays, or gatherings with family and friends.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Egg Fried Rice
• Jeera Rice
• Nando’s Spicy Rice
• Chicken Fried Rice
• Keema Rice

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Jeweled Rice

by Nabeela Kauser

Elevate your dinner table with a vibrant rice dish bursting with exotic flavors and colorful jewels. This recipe combines aromatic spices, crunchy nuts, and luscious fruits for a tantalizing blend of sweet and savory.

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings 6

Calories 524 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 250 g Rice Basmati
• ▢ 400 ml Water
• ▢ 50 ml 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 Pistachios 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

 

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 524kcalCarbohydrates: 83gProtein: 8gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 53mgPotassium: 343mgFibre: 4gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 3567IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Cooking, Food, Fruit, Nuts, Rice

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