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Jeweled Rice

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Jeweled Rice is a flavorful and colorful side dish featuring dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for festive occasions and adds a beautiful touch to any meal.

Ingredients

1 ¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sweet paprika

½ teaspoon turmeric

¼ teaspoon cumin

⅛ teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus 1 teaspoon

1 large onion, diced small

10 dried apricots, quartered

6 dried figs, quartered

¼ cup dried cherries or prunes

¼ cup pistachios or pumpkin seeds

1 cup long-grain rice (Jasmine rice or Basmati rice)

1 ⅓ cups of water or vegetable broth

1 ½ teaspoon fresh orange zest or lemon zest

1 cup pomegranate seeds

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix together salt, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the spice mixture to the onions and stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become fragrant.
  4. Stir in the dried apricots, figs, cherries (or prunes), and pistachios (or pumpkin seeds). Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the fruits to soften and the nuts to toast slightly.
  5. Add the rice to the pot, stirring to coat it in the spices and oil.
  6. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the orange or lemon zest.
  8. Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the rice and top with fresh pomegranate seeds before serving.

Notes

Rice Type: Experiment with Basmati, Jasmine, or wild rice for different textures and flavors.

Nuts and Seeds: Substitute pistachios with almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds.

Dried Fruits: Mix and match dried fruits like mango or dates for variety.

Herbs: Fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro can add extra freshness to the dish.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat on the stove with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/jeweled-rice/