Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and cloves until onion is translucent.
  2. Stir in rice and saffron; cook 1 minute. Add vegetable broth, cinnamon stick, dried fruit, salt, and citrus zest (if using).
  3. Bring to boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid absorbed (about 20 minutes for white basmati).
  4. Fluff rice with a fork. Remove cinnamon stick and cloves. Gently stir in toasted nuts and fresh herbs (if using) before serving.

Plating & Garnishing

  • Base: Fluff the rice onto a serving platter, spreading it in an even layer.
  • Finish: Scatter with toasted almonds, raisins, and fresh cilantro. A few lemon zest curls on top.

Safety & Quality: Cool leftovers quickly by spreading the rice on a tray before refrigerating. This prevents the growth of Bacillus cereus and keeps the rice from becoming gummy.