In my opinion, how we begin the year matters — and that includes what we place on the table. For New Year’s, I love dishes that feel vibrant and abundant, without being heavy or overly complicated. This Jeweled Persian Rice has been a favorite in my kitchen for years, and it feels especially fitting for welcoming a new chapter. Its colors, textures, and aromas bring a sense of warmth and optimism to the table.
One of the things I love most about this dish is how adaptable it is. The toppings and spices can be easily adjusted to reflect the season or your mood. Barberries, with their sweet-tart bite, add a beautiful contrast and can be found at many online specialty markets. If you can’t find them, cranberries make a wonderful substitute. And don’t skip the candied orange peel — it’s one of my favorite elements, adding a gentle citrus brightness that balances the savory notes of the dish.
A small tip: the orange syrup is delicious drizzled over vanilla ice cream with a splash of kyoord olive oil, so be sure to save any leftovers for dessert.
To make this dish feel extra special, I like to layer the toppings over the rice in a “pizza slice” pattern as described below. It’s a simple way to create a beautiful presentation. Just remember to mix everything together before serving, finishing with a generous drizzle of kyoord olive oil to bring it all together.
Here’s to starting the year with something nourishing, colorful, and made to be shared.
Happy cooking.
Limor
Why we recommend "kyoord High-Phenolic Olive Oil"
With a robust flavor, herbaceous notes and signature peppery aftertaste, our kyoord high-phenolic olive oil is a great choice for everyday cooking, baking, drizzling, dipping, and savoring.
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