This vibrant Iranian rice dish is a celebration of color, aroma, and texture. Fluffy basmati rice is infused with warm spices and saffron, then finished with jewel-like dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs. It’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough to enjoy as a comforting everyday meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s naturally vegan and gluten free, making it suitable for many diets
• The combination of sweet dried fruits and fragrant spices creates a perfectly balanced flavor
• It looks stunning on the table, making it ideal for gatherings and celebrations
• Each ingredient adds a distinct texture, from fluffy rice to crunchy nuts
• It can be served as a main dish or an impressive side

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups basmati rice (400 g)
1/4 cup vegetable oil (60 ml)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped (75 g)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (60 g)
1/2 cup golden raisins (75 g)
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted (50 g)
1/2 cup shelled pistachios (50 g)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (15 g)
3 cups water or chicken broth (720 ml)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Zest of 1 orange

Directions

Rinse the basmati rice several times under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in fresh water with a pinch of salt for 20 to 30 minutes, then drain well.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and golden, about 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the onions evenly.

Add the drained rice to the pot and gently stir for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the grains to absorb the flavors.

Pour in the water or chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Once the rice is cooked, drizzle the saffron water evenly over the top. Scatter the dried apricots, cranberries, raisins, almonds, pistachios, orange zest, and parsley over the rice.

Cover the pot again and let it steam on very low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving, making sure the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water over the rice and warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, in short intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently before serving.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain basmati rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and aromatic.

Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, olive oil can be used and will add a slightly different but pleasant flavor.

Is saffron necessary?

Saffron adds a unique aroma and color, but if unavailable, the dish will still be flavorful without it.

Can I change the dried fruits?

Absolutely. Dried cherries, figs, or dates can be used instead.

Are the nuts essential?

The nuts add crunch, but you can omit them if needed or replace them with seeds.

Can this dish be served as a main course?

Yes, it works well as a light main dish or as a side with other meals.

How do I keep the rice from becoming mushy?

Rinsing and soaking the rice helps remove excess starch and keeps the grains separate.

Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?

Yes, it’s traditionally served at celebrations and looks beautiful on the table.

Can I freeze this rice?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the rice and dried fruits may change.

Conclusion

Iranian Rice with Nuts and Dried Fruits is a timeless dish that brings together fragrance, color, and flavor in every bite. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed as a comforting homemade meal, this jeweled rice is sure to impress and satisfy with its rich aroma and elegant presentation.

Print