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PERSIAN JEWELED RICE

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Persian Jeweled Rice is a spectacular rice pilaf topped with colorful gem-like fruits and nuts.  This popular Middle Eastern wedding dish is a celebration in itself ~ it's gluten free, vegan, and incredibly delicious!


This Persian jeweled rice is a feast for the senses.  It's exquisitely flavored with saffron, which gives it its golden color, along with  cardamom, cinnamon, and allspice.  You'll bite down on toasted fennel and cumin seeds which will release alternate bursts of flavor.

Think about this rice dish for your holiday tables, it would make a spectacular vegetarian side dish.

Ingredients
  • 1/2 tsp saffron threads
  • 2 Tbsp butter (or coconut oil)
  • 1/4 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1.4 tsp cumin seeds
  • a rounded 1/8 tsp cinnamon
  • a rounded 1/8 tsp cardamom
  • a rounded 1/8 tsp allspice
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, rinsed well
  • 2 bay leaves
  • finely julienned rind of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup dried tart cherries
  • 1/4 cup dried Turkish apricots, diced
  • 1/4 cup dried figs, diced
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup pistachios, toasted
  • seeds of 1 pomegranate for garnish
Instructions
  1. Mix the saffron threads in 2 1/4 cups of hot water, Set aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet and saute the fennel and cumin seeds until they are fragrant, just a minute or two. Add the cinnamon, cardamom and allspice and stir to combine. Add the onion and saute over low heat until the onion is softened, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add in the rice and saute it for a minute or 2 with the spices and onion.
  4. Pour in the saffron infused water, along with the bay leaves and lemon rind. Stir to combine, season with salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
  5. Add in the fruit and nuts, stir to combine, and cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid. Cook on low to medium heat for about 12 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes.
  6. When the rice is done, fluff it, remove the bay leaves, and spoon onto a large platter. Scatter the pomegranate seeds on top to garnish.

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