Sweet Jeweled Rice

Transport your taste buds to a world of elegance and flavor with this Sweet Jeweled Rice recipe—an aromatic, show-stopping dish perfect for celebrations or luxurious family dinners. Fluffy basmati rice gets infused with golden saffron, layered with a vibrant medley of softened dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, and raisins, and studded with toasted pistachios and almonds for a delightful crunch. Subtle hints of cardamom, orange zest, and the option of fragrant rose water elevate this dish to a true feast for the senses. With its glistening “jeweled” appearance and a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this dish pairs beautifully with savory mains or can stand alone as a vegetarian centerpiece. Easy yet indulgent, Sweet Jeweled Rice is a must-try for anyone seeking to master the art of festive, Persian-inspired cooking.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons hot water (for saffron infusion)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 0.5 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries
• 0.5 cup golden raisins
• 0.25 cup pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
• 0.25 cup almonds, slivered
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.

Step 2

Place the rice in a large bowl, cover with water, and let it soak for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Set aside to infuse while preparing the other ingredients.

Step 4

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add the salt and drained rice. Reduce to a gentle boil and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the rice is 80% cooked. Drain the rice and set aside.

Step 5

In a large pot or wide, heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the dried apricots, dried cranberries, and golden raisins. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they soften slightly.

Step 6

Add the pistachios and slivered almonds to the pan, toasting them lightly for 1–2 minutes. Stir in the sugar, cardamom powder, and orange zest. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Gently fold the par-cooked rice into the pan, layering it with the fruit-and-nut mixture for even distribution.

Step 8

Drizzle the saffron infusion evenly over the rice mixture. If using, sprinkle the rose water on top as well.

Step 9

Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel or aluminum foil, then place the lid on top to create a tight seal. Reduce the heat to low and allow the rice to steam for 20–25 minutes.

Step 10

Once cooked, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Transfer to a serving dish, ensuring the fruit and nuts are distributed throughout to create a 'jeweled' look.

Step 11

Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped pistachios or orange zest if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1765.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1958.5

Total Fat 69.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 98.7mg	0%
Sodium 2665.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 315.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.3g	0%
Total Sugars 175.5g
Protein 33.9g	0%

Vitamin D 6.7IU	0%
Calcium 323.8mg	0%
Iron 12.7mg	0%
Potassium 2175.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.8%

Protein: 6.7%

Carbs: 62.5%