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Gheymeh Nesar, a traditional and colorful Iranian food

Gheymeh Nesar: Traditional Persian Rice Dish

Gheymeh Nesar is a colorful Persian rice dish from Qazvin, made with saffron, meat, rose water, and decorated with pistachios, almonds, and barberries. Perfect for festive meals or special occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Iranian, Persian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients:
  • 3 cups rice
  • 350 g meat beef, lamb, or veal
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 1 tbsp brewed saffron
  • 1/2 tsp rose water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • Salt turmeric, pepper, cinnamon, cardamo: to taste
  • Oil: as needed
  • Toppings / Garnish:
  • Sliced pistachios
  • Khalal almonds
  • Barberries
  • Grated orange peel
  • Optional: raisins or carrots

Method
 

  1. Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Cut meat into large cubes. Fry onions in a small amount of oil, then add meat and spices (salt, pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom). Cook until meat is nearly done, then add rose water, saffron, and tomato paste. Continue cooking until meat is fully done.
  3. Boil rice in water for 10 minutes with a little salt, then drain when half-cooked.
  4. Layer rice and meat in a pot, alternating layers until all ingredients are used.
  5. Top with pistachios, almonds, barberries, and grated orange peel. Cover the pot and let it steam for 25 minutes to fully cook and infuse flavors.
  6. Tip: Use high-quality saffron and rose water for the best aroma and flavor.