This recipe for jewelled rice is a show-stopping dish. The combination of colours and textures, as well as the fragrant aroma and complex flavours, make this recipe truly deserving of any special occasion.

I have lots of rice recipes on my food blog, mainly Indian and Pakistani ones, such as my chicken biryani and keema pulao along with some other reader favourites, like my Nando’s rice.

This recipe is my first Middle Eastern-inspired rice dish. Known as jewelled rice due to its resemblance to gems, this is a festive dish that is frequently served at weddings.

The dried cranberries, oranges, almonds, pistachios, and raisins that glisten like little gems scattered throughout the grains of rice inspired the name of this recipe.

Unlike other rice recipes, this rice recipe is enhanced by the use of saffron. This, when combined with turmeric powder, gives this rice recipe a beautiful golden colour.

Each jewelled recipe will contain a unique combination of ingredients. I like to keep my recipes accessible to everyone, so this recipe calls for simple ingredients that can be found in most major supermarkets.

Alternative ingredients include figs, apricots, cherries, and even authentic Middle Eastern barberries.

It is best to use basmati rice for this type of recipe as it is the most commonly used rice in the Middle East.

It has aromatic, long grains that are lower in arsenic than other types of rice and are high in vitamins and nutrients.

Brown basmati rice is the best type of rice for weight loss. Due to its high fibre content, it helps to boost metabolism and accelerate weight loss.

This rice recipe is truly a holiday recipe because it is suitable for everyone. It is gluten-free and nutritious.

Serve this delectable side dish alongside a simple roast chicken or as the main course at a dinner party.

Check out these recipes

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

• Chicken Biryani
• Aloo Pulao
• Chicken Pulao
• Vegetable Fried Rice
• Jeera 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

Persian Jeweled Rice is a magnificent rice dish covered with vibrant fruits and nuts that resemble gems. This well-known Middle Eastern wedding dish is a celebration in and of itself because it is vegan, gluten-free, and delectably tasty!

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: 343mgFiber: 4gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 3567IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Cooking, Food, Fruit, Nuts, Rice

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