Instant Pot Holiday Jeweled Rice Recipe Cook S Hideout

Can’t believe December is rolling by so fast. Holiday spirit is in the air and I am in the middle of the frenzy too with online and in-store shopping 🙂 So this week’s Blogging Marathon theme is perfect for this time of the year. ‘Instant dishes’ are what we all want to cope with the holiday stress. Today I have an Instant Pot Holiday Jeweled Rice recipe that is perfect to actually make during the holidays. Instant pot(s) has sure taken over my kitchen recently. I was hesitant to use it couple of years ago but now my Indian pressure cookers have been retired and IPs are ruling the kitchen.

Instant Pot Holiday Jeweled Rice:

Today’s recipe is my version of Bon Appetit’s Bejeweled rice. I have made that dish countless times in the past 2 years. It is a total crowd pleaser. Very pretty and also very tasty. To make things quick, easy and instant, I used the instant pot to make this dish.

What is Jeweled Rice?

Jeweled rice is called that because it is studded with nuts and pretty dry fruit. It is buttery and laced with the aromatic spices. It is a very popular side dish in the middle east and is typically served for weddings and other celebrations.

Layers & Toppings in Holiday Jeweled Rice:

The main layer is spiced, buttery long grain rice. Ground cardamom, cinnamon are spices that are widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine. Ground turmeric gives the rice a lovely yellow color. Orange zest gives nice fruity flavor to the dish. Toasted almonds and pistachios along with dried fruit add nuttiness and slight sweetness. Perfectly cooked carrot slices add color and deliciousness.

Tips for making the rice:

Toppings can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Toasted nuts can be stored in an airtight container. Cooked carrots can be stored in the fridge for 2 days. On the day of the party, just cook the rice in the instant pot and jazz it up with the toppings and serve. This is a great side dish to serve with any main course, vegetarian or non-vegetarian. So go ahead make this for your next holiday party - I am sure it is going to be a hit. Serve with a rich paneer curry for an Indian dinner.