Jeweled Rice with Dried Fruit
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026
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This fragrant jewelled rice is a spectacular vegetarian dish that brings a touch of Persian-inspired elegance to any dining table. The name comes from the vibrant colours of the dried apricots, golden raisins, and cranberries, which glisten like gems against the fluffy basmati grains. The secret to its success is the 'tahdig'—a crisp, buttery crust that develops at the bottom of the pan, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the aromatic rice and spiced fruit.
Perfect as a centrepiece for a festive gathering or a sophisticated side dish for grilled meats and roasted vegetables, this recipe is surprisingly simple yet deeply rewarding. The combination of warming cardamom, toasted pistachios, and tangy fruit creates a complex flavour profile that feels both comforting and luxurious. For the best results, ensure you allow the rice to rest after cooking to achieve the perfect light and airy consistency.
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Ingredients for Jeweled Rice with Dried Fruit
725ml basmati rice (575g)
4 qt water
3 tablespoons salt
120ml dried apricots (100g), quartered
80g golden raisins (90g)
80g dried cranberries (60g)
1 stick (110g ) unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoons black pepper
60g coarsely chopped shelled unsalted pistachios (not dyed red
70g )
How to make Jeweled Rice with Dried Fruit
Rinse rice in several changes of cold water in a large bowl until water runs clear. Drain in a large sieve.
Bring water and salt to a boil in a 6-quart heavy pot, then add rice and boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes from time water returns to boil. Drain rice in sieve.
Toss together dried fruit in a bowl. Melt 6 tablespoons butter with cardamom and pepper in cleaned and dried pot, stirring to combine, then alternately layer rice and dried fruit over it, beginning and ending with rice and mounding loosely. Make 5 or 6 holes in rice to bottom of pot with round handle of a wooden spoon, then cover pot with a kitchen towel and a heavy lid. Fold edges of towel up over lid (to keep towel from burning) and cook rice over moderately low heat, undisturbed, until tender and a crust forms on bottom, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from heat and let rice stand, tightly covered and undisturbed, at least 30 minutes.
Heat remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over moderate heat and cook pistachios, stirring, until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
Spoon loose rice onto a platter, then break crust into 1-inch pieces and scatter over rice. Sprinkle with pistachios.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
17 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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