From Simple Ingredients to Persian Royalty — Beetroot Rice Recipe!

pumpkin

🥗Healthier: butternut squash

💰Cheaper: sweet potato

Sweet potato is often less expensive and still provides a similar sweetness.

dried barberries

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: raisins

Raisins are more commonly available and less expensive.

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain.

Peel and cube the pumpkin into small pieces.

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté chopped onion until translucent.

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom, cooking for another minute.

Add the pumpkin cubes and cook until slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the soaked rice to the pot and stir to combine with the pumpkin mixture.

Pour in water and season with salt and black pepper, bringing to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.

In a small bowl, steep saffron in a tablespoon of hot water for 5 minutes.

Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and drizzle saffron water over it, mixing gently.

Add dried barberries and fresh herbs, stirring to combine.

Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon juice on top.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: