| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 440 | 15g | 3g | 68g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 23g | 6g | 11g | 1g |
Why I Love Iranian Dill Rice with Jewel Rice
If there’s one dish that celebrates my love for exploring cuisines beyond my Italian roots, it’s the Iranian Dill Rice with Jewel Rice. This meal brings together two profound elements of Middle Eastern cooking – the use of fragrant herbs combined with a delightful play on textures.
The Inspiration behind the Dill Rice with Jewel Rice
My Italian heritage has always informed the way I cook, but one cannot simply stagnate in the familiar. The flavors of rosemary, oregano, tomatoes are all hearty and comforting. Yet, the desire to learn and the curiosity to unravel the secrets of other cuisines led me to this Iranian recipe. A profound inspiration came from the work of chef Najmieh Batmanglij, who has made monumental strides in introducing Persian cuisine to the West. A quick look at the ingredients might make you wonder how they fit together. Dill, dried fruits, spices, rice – each component seems like a universe of flavors on its own. However, once combined, there’s a magical interplay of taste and aroma that takes your senses on a delightful journey.
A Symphony of Flavors
The hero ingredient in Dill Rice with Jewel Rice is definitely the dill. The herb lends an unforgettable freshness and aroma that simply captures the essence of Persian cuisine. Accompanying this are a harmony of textures. Crunchy pistachios and almonds, sweet dried cranberries, chewy apricots, the tartness of pomegranate seeds, all resting on a bed of long-grain Basmati rice cooked to perfection in a savory chicken or vegetable broth. It’s a beauty to behold, a delight to smell, and a joy to taste.
A Dish That Brings People Together
There’s something about this rice dish that brings people together. Whether it is the shared delight of discovering a new flavor or the shared joy of a hearty meal, I firmly believe in the power of food as a connection. Much like the Italian dishes I grew up with, this Dill Rice with Jewel Rice recipe encourages us to gather around a table and share stories over a delicious meal. That’s an Italian tradition that’s universal, no matter the cuisine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups long grain basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Method
Step One
Start by rinsing the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is important to remove any excess starch from the grains and ensure your rice isn’t sticky.
Step Two
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the mixture is hot, add the finely chopped onion. Cook the onion, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent and starts to caramelize.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic to the pan with the onions. Continue to cook for another minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. It’s crucial not to burn the garlic as it can develop a bitter taste.
Step Four
Stir in the chopped fresh dill, letting it wilt slightly in the hot pan. Then, add the rinsed and drained rice, stirring well to ensure each grain is coated in the fragrant butter and oil mixture.
Step Five
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, turmeric, cumin, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes or until all the broth is absorbed.
Step Six
While the rice is cooking, prepare your ‘jewels’. Combine the dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, dried apricots, pistachios, and sliced almonds in a bowl. When the rice is cooked, fold in the fruit and nut mixture.
Step Seven
Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If desired, garnish with additional dill, then serve piping hot. Enjoy your flavorful and colorful dish of Dill Rice with Jewel Rice.
