Persian Rice

Basmati rice has been our favorite for several years, but this Persian rice recipe or Arabic-style rice was a real hit. I don't recommend using another rice type. Use basmati, preferably bought from Arab stores, and you'll notice a big difference ... Besides that it's very aromatic and tasty, it looks very good on any table, festive or not. To make it clear, this recipe is not a dessert rice, but you can make it, if you want. It contains cranberries or sweet raisins, but they are more like a contrasting taste and all combine perfectly there.

As traditionalist as I am in food matters, it is only by tasting that I can be convinced of new flavors and tastes. Trust me, as you've done so far, that any food I recommend is highly tested and verified by the most demanding taster - myself.

Ingredients
Basmati rice
1 cup
Raisins
100 g
you can add or replace with candied cranberries
Cashew nuts
50 g
Almonds
25 g
Peanuts
25 g
optional, as well as pine seeds, if you have
Butter
20 g
Saffron
0.25 tsp
or turmeric, if you do not have saffron
Salt
1 tsp
+ 1 teaspoon of salt in the water in which the rice is boiled
Step by step
Step 1

Here you can see the raisins, cranberries and walnuts that I used, exactly as I indicated in the recipe.

You can omit something and replace it with anything else you like. However, I'd say raisins and cashews are mandatory.

Persian Rice - Step 1
Step 2

Do not use much saffron, just what you can take with your fingertips.

It will give the rice finer color and flavor. If you don't have saffron, you can replace it with half a teaspoon of turmeric/curcuma.

Persian Rice - Step 2
Step 3

Pour boiling hot water over the saffron, stir and set aside while we are dealing with the rice.

Persian Rice - Step 3
Step 4

Wash the basmati rice with plenty of water, 3-4 times, until the water is as clear as possible.

Persian Rice - Step 4
Step 5

Fill a saucepan with 3-4 liters of water. Add one teaspoon of salt and bring to boil.

Persian Rice - Step 5
Step 6

When it comes to the boil, add the rice and mix well.

Persian Rice - Step 6
Step 7

Let simmer for 6-7 minutes over low heat. The rice should be a bit raw, not completely cooked.

Persian Rice - Step 7
Step 8

Immediately remove from the heat. Pour into a sieve and completely drain the hot water.

Persian Rice - Step 8
Step 9

Now quickly take a deep frying pan and melt the butter in it.

Persian Rice - Step 9
Step 10

Add the raisins and the nuts.

Persian Rice - Step 10
Step 11

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring periodically, until you notice the cashews begin to brown.

Persian Rice - Step 11
Step 12

Pour over the boiled and drained rice.

Persian Rice - Step 12
Step 13

Add a little salt and the water with saffron/turmeric.

Persian Rice - Step 13
Step 14

Stir gently.

Persian Rice - Step 14
Step 15

Turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid and allow the rice to infuse for 30-40 minutes.

Persian Rice - Step 15
Step 16

Now we have the perfect rice - with visible grains, colorful, flavorful and delicious.

If you want to make it a dessert, add a little honey or sugar and flavors, to taste.

Persian Rice - Step 16
Step 18

This Arabic rice is the perfect garnish for any food, but especially for meat, or chicken cooked in Turkish style.

Enjoy!

Persian Rice - Step 18
Quantity: 500 g (4-5 servings)
Prep time:
40 min
Difficulty: easy
Ready in: 30 min