Persian Rice

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 cups basmati rice, washed and drained
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and lightly golden.
2. Add the turmeric, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt, and stir to combine. Add the rice and stir to coat in the spices.
3. Add the water and bring to a boil. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in the parsley and mint, cover the pot again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and tender.
5. Serve warm with your favorite dish.

Interesting Facts

• This dish is served as a side dish in many Persian restaurants.
• The rice is traditionally cooked in a special cooking pot called a tahdig, which gives the rice a crispy, golden bottom layer.
• The combination of spices used in this dish is unique to Persian cuisine.