Persian-Inspired Adveih Rice with Toasted Almonds and Golden Raisins

Middle Eastern · Rice

Fragrant basmati rice, warm Persian-inspired spices, sweet golden raisins and crunchy toasted almonds come together in a beautiful, aromatic rice pilaf.

Zamouri Spices Adveih brings cinnamon, cumin, coriander, cardamom, dried lemon peel and other warming spices to this colorful dish. Golden raisins add little bursts of sweetness, while toasted almonds bring a satisfying crunch.

Serve alongside roasted chicken, lamb or grilled vegetables, or enjoy it as a flavorful vegetarian main course.

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups basmati rice

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 1½ teaspoons Zamouri Spices Adveih Persian Spice Blend

  • 2¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth

  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

  • ½ cup golden raisins

  • ⅓ cup sliced almonds

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, optional

  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, optional

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice. Rinse basmati rice under cool running water until the water is mostly clear. Drain well.

  2. Toast the almonds. Place sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently for 2–4 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

  3. Cook the onion. Heat olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.

  4. Bloom the Adveih. Add Zamouri Spices Adveih to the onions and stir for approximately 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This brief warming releases the spice blend's aromatic character.

  5. Add the rice. Stir the drained rice into the seasoned onions, gently coating the grains with the aromatic oil. Cook for about 1 minute.

  6. Add the broth and raisins. Pour in the broth, add the salt and golden raisins, and stir gently. Bring to a boil.

  7. Steam the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.

  8. Let it rest. Remove the saucepan from the heat and leave covered for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and the grains to become fluffy.

  9. Finish and serve. Fluff gently with a fork. Fold in most of the toasted almonds, parsley and optional cilantro. Add a little lemon juice if desired.

  10. Garnish beautifully. Transfer to a serving platter and scatter the remaining toasted almonds and a few extra golden raisins over the top.

A Little Extra

For a more festive presentation, reserve a small portion of the cooked rice and tint it golden with a pinch of turmeric dissolved in a teaspoon of warm water. Scatter this golden rice over the finished platter for beautiful contrast.

Make it a meal: Serve with roasted chicken thighs, grilled lamb kebabs or a platter of roasted cauliflower and carrots.

Make ahead: Prepare the toasted almonds separately and store them in an airtight container. Add them just before serving so they stay crisp.

Zamouri Spices Adveih Persian Spice Blend, 2 oz jar

Make this recipe with Zamouri Spices Adveih

Warm, aromatic Persian-style seasoning with cinnamon, cumin, coriander, cardamom and dried lemon peel.

Shop Adveih Persian Spice

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