
Persian jeweled rice is a beautiful, labor intensive dish that is absolutely worth the effort. My easy jeweled rice recipe is my humble attempt at a quicker way of making something similar (if by no means the same).
What I love about this easy jeweled rice recipe is that it’s chock full of different flavors, nutrient dense fruit & nuts, and can be made with fibre-rich whole-grain rice. Not to mention that it’s an absolutely gorgeous meal in and of itself. I told my girls that it’s a special lunch for princesses (they thought they’d find actual jewels in the rice at first- no such luck).
Health Benefits of Easy Jeweled Rice
This recipe is packed with healthy ingredients, each offering unique nutritional benefits:
- Basmati Rice: Wholegrain basmati rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, providing sustained energy and supporting digestive health.
- Saffron: Known for its vibrant color and distinct flavor, saffron has antioxidant properties and can improve mood and memory.
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, supporting overall health.
- Nuts (Pistachios, Almonds): Nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting heart health and providing sustained energy.
- Dried Fruits (Apricots, Dates, Raisins, Cranberries): These are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including iron and potassium. They provide natural sweetness and support digestive health.
- Carrot: Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body, supporting eye health and the immune system.
- Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, honey adds flavor and helps balance the spices.
- Fresh Parsley: Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provides a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Pomegranate: Pomegranate seeds are high in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.
Combining these ingredients not only creates a delicious dish but also ensures it’s nutritious, making it a wonderful choice for a healthy and balanced diet.
How to Make Easy Jeweled Rice
To make this delightful and visually appealing dish, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the Dried Fruits and Nuts: Soak 1 tablespoon of raisins and 2 tablespoons of dried cranberries, along with 3 sliced dried apricots and 3 sliced dried dates, in water for 30 minutes. Toast 1/4 cup of sliced pistachios and 1/4 cup of slivered almonds in a dry pan for a minute or two until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Dried Fruits and Nuts: Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the pan and sauté the soaked and drained dried fruits and toasted nuts for a minute. Sprinkle with a light dash of cinnamon. Remove from heat and spread the mixture on a plate.
- Sauté the Carrot: In the same pan, add another teaspoon of oil and sauté one peeled and thinly sliced small carrot until tender. Drizzle lightly with honey and remove from the pan. Keep the carrot slices separate.
- Steep the Saffron: Steep 2 threads of saffron in 1/4 cup of hot water until the water turns a deep yellow color.
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice thoroughly. Sauté the rice in 1 teaspoon of oil in a pot for a couple of minutes. Add water according to the package instructions along with the saffron water, a dash of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender but still slightly firm.
- Mix and Steam: Mix half of the fruit and nut mixture with the cooked rice. Cover the pot and let it steam on very low heat for a few more minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the rice to a serving dish. Garnish with the remaining fruit and nut mixture, sautéed carrot slices, fresh chopped parsley, and a handful of fresh pomegranate seeds.
Tips for Making the Best Easy Jeweled Rice
Here are some tips to ensure your Easy Jeweled Rice turns out perfectly:
- Rinse the Rice Well: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, resulting in fluffy, separate grains rather than sticky rice.
- Use High-Quality Saffron: Saffron is a key ingredient in this dish. Use high-quality saffron threads for the best flavor and color.
- Balance the Flavors: The combination of spices, honey, and dried fruits should create a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors.
- Toast the Nuts: Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the dish.
- Serve Fresh: While this dish can be prepared ahead, it’s best enjoyed fresh to appreciate the vibrant colors and flavors.
How to Serve Easy Jeweled Rice
Easy Jeweled Rice is a versatile dish that can be served on various occasions:
- Festive Occasions: This colorful and flavorful dish is perfect for festive occasions like holidays, family gatherings, and celebrations.
- Dinner Parties: Impress your guests by serving this beautiful rice dish at dinner parties. It pairs well with grilled meats, kebabs, or a simple vegetable stew.
- Everyday Meals: Add a touch of elegance to your everyday meals by serving this rice as a side dish. It complements a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken to fish or tofu.
Embracing Tradition with a Healthy Twist
This Easy Jeweled Rice is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, where jeweled rice dishes are often served at festive occasions and celebrations. This modern, healthier version honors the traditional flavors and techniques while incorporating nutritious ingredients that support a balanced diet.
The use of basmati rice, saffron, turmeric, and a medley of dried fruits and nuts reflects the traditional elements of Middle Eastern cuisine. By using wholegrain basmati rice and balancing the dish with a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients, this recipe offers a wholesome and flavorful meal that aligns with contemporary health-conscious eating habits.
It’s also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors from the fruits and nuts make it a visually appealing dish that can brighten up any meal. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a dish that looks as good as it tastes. The aromatic spices used in the recipe add depth and complexity to the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful experience. It exemplifies how traditional recipes can be adapted to meet modern dietary preferences without compromising on taste or cultural significance.
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch option or a stunning side dish for a dinner party, this jeweled rice is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to customize based on your preferences and dietary needs, making it a go-to recipe in your healthy-ish food repertoire. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something special, give this easy jeweled rice a try and enjoy a dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent. This makes a great vegetarian/vegan lunch or can be paired with roasted turkey or chicken.
Remember, the key to making this dish truly shine is in the quality of the ingredients and the love you put into preparing it. Happy cooking!
3-4
servings30
minutes40
minutes1
hour10
minutesIngredients
1 cup basmati rice, wholegrain
2 threads saffron
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cinnamon
water
dash of salt
drizzle of honey
3 tsp oil
1/4 cup pistachios, sliced lengthwise
1 small carrot, peeled thinly
3 dried apricots, sliced
3 dried dates, sliced
1/4 cup almonds, slivered
1 TB raisins
2 TB dried cranberries
fresh parsley
fresh pomegranate
Directions
- Soak raisins and dried fruit for 30 mins in water then remove them. Toast nuts in a dry pan for a minute or two.
- Add a little oil to the pan and sauté fruit and nuts for a minute. Add a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Remove from heat and spread on a plate.
- Sauté carrot slivers and add a light drizzle of honey. Remove and separate carrot pieces.
- Steep saffron in a 1/4 cup of hot water and set aside until the water is yellow.
- Rinse rice very well, then sauté in a little oil. Add water and saffron water (water amount according to package instructions), salt, plus a 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric to the rice and boil for a few minutes until water is almost absorbed, then let steam o very low heat until al dente. Rice should be almost done with a little bite.
- Mix half the fruit, nut and carrot mixture with the rice and let it steam for a couple more minutes.
- Garnish the rice with the rest of the mixture, and add fresh chopped parsley and pomegranates on top of your pretty jeweled rice.