Persian Green Rice
![Photo: Bowl of Persian Green Rice](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/uploads/recipes/Persian-Green-Rice.jpg?itok=6yKX6xzz)
Green rice is a traditional Persian dish made with dried fruits, nuts, and lots of fresh herbs.
Yield
6-8 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 3 cups filtered water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads
- 2 Tablespoons warm water
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 leeks (green part removed), chopped
- ½ cup minced red onion
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime zest
- 1 cup minced flat-leaf parsley
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup minced fresh dill
- 1 cup raisins or currants
- 1 cup shelled, chopped, and toasted pistachios or walnuts
Instructions
- Rinse rice in cool water until water runs clear. Set rice aside.
- In a large stockpot, season 3 cups water with salt and bring to a boil.
- Meanwhile in a small bowl, pour 2 Tablespoons of warm water over saffron. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks and onions and sauté for five minutes. Add rice, saffron/water mixture, and lime zest and stir to coat. Cook for two minutes, stirring constantly. Add boiling water to rice. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Let rice cool five minutes. Stir in parsley, cilantro, dill, raisins and nuts and serve immediately. Enjoy!