Saffron Jewelled Rice Pilaf with Fruit and Nuts

Name: Saffron Jewelled Rice Pilaf with Fruit and Nuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup basmati rice; 1 onion; 2 clove garlic; 2 1/4 cup vegetable stock; 4 tbsp ghee or butter; 1/2-1 tsp saffron threads; 2 tbsp boiling water; 1/4 tsp fennel seeds; 1/4 tsp cumin seeds; 1 cinnamon stick; 1/8 tsp cardamom powder; 1/8 tsp allspice; 3/4 tsp kosher salt; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 tsp lemon zest; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup dried apricots; 1/4 cup golden raisins; 1/4 cup pistachios; 1/4 cup slivered almonds; 1/2 pomegranate; 2 tbsp cilantro leaves, roughly chopped; 2 tbsp toasted pistachios, roughly chopped

This saffron jewelled rice pilaf is fragrant, colorful, and layered with sweet dried fruit, toasted nuts, and warm spices. Finished with pomegranate and fresh cilantro, it makes an elegant side dish for holidays, dinner parties, or a special family meal.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time15 Mins

Cook Time30 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

basmati rice
0.5 cup
onion
1
garlic
2 clove
vegetable stock
0.5 cup
ghee or butter
4 tbsp
saffron threads
0.5 tsp
boiling water
2 tbsp
fennel seeds
0.3 tsp
cumin seeds
0.3 tsp
cinnamon stick
1
cardamom powder
0.1 tsp
allspice
0.1 tsp
kosher salt
0.8 tsp
bay leaves
2
lemon zest
0.5 tsp
dried cranberries
0.3 cup
dried apricots
0.3 cup
golden raisins
0.3 cup
pistachios
0.3 cup
slivered almonds
0.3 cup
pomegranate
0.5
cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
2 tbsp
toasted pistachios, roughly chopped
2 tbsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crush the saffron threads to a fine powder with a mortar and pestle. Stir in the boiling water and set aside to steep while you prepare the rice.

Heat 2 tbsp ghee or butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the fennel seeds and cumin seeds and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, until aromatic.

Add the onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens. Stir in the cinnamon stick, cardamom, and allspice, then cook for another 30 seconds.

Add the basmati rice and stir for 1 minute so the grains are coated in the spiced fat. Pour in the vegetable stock, then add the salt, bay leaves, lemon zest, dried cranberries, dried apricots, golden raisins, pistachios, and slivered almonds.