Rosh Hashanah falls out on Wednesday night this year...which means we have 3 days of Chag since it goes right into Shabbos. Yup, that's 6 meals! I know you can always use an easy new side to throw into the mix. This jeweled rice with leeks and dates for the Jewish new year was created to include a few of the Simanim. Of course this can be enjoyed year round, for any Shabbos or Holiday table.
Ingredients:
- White rice- long or short grain Basmati rice
- Leeks- You can substitute for 1 small onion if you don't have or want to use leeks.
- Pomegranate
- Shredded carrots
- Dates
- Golden raisins
- Mint
- Orange zest
- Spices: turmeric, salt, cumin, and coriander
- Vegetable broth
Directions for jeweled rice with leeks and dates for the Jewish new year
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add the leeks and cook for 5-6 minutes until it begins to soften and begin to turn translucent.
Pour in the rice, and stir until coated with oil. Add the grated carrot, turmeric, salt cumin, coriander and orange zest, stirring for 2-3 minutes to coat the rice. Pour the vegetable broth into the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook, covered, for 15 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed. Add the dates and raisins and let them sit for 5 minutes for the fruit to hydrate slightly. Add the pomegranate seeds and fresh mint just before serving.
Storing and Reheating:
Jeweled rice will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days. For best results I like to reheat the rice on the stovetop. Add a few splashes of water to a skillet and reheat rice over medium heat, covered, until warmed through.
More side dish recipes
Vibrant Middle Eastern style cauliflower side dish
4 easy roasted veggie sides everyone will love!
FAQ'S on jeweled rice with leeks and dates for the Jewish new year
Doesn't jeweled rice contain nuts?
Generally, yes. I did not include them in this recipe, because many do not eat nuts on Rosh Hashanah. Rema (Orach Chaim 583:2) writes that some are careful not to eat egozim (walnuts) on Rosh Hashanah. This is because the gematria (numerical value) of the Hebrew word “egoz” is the same as the numerical value for the word chait (sin).
If I'm making this year round, what nuts should I add?
Feel free to add toasted slivered almonds or chopped pistachios.
Jeweled rice with leeks and dates for the Jewish new year
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add the leeks and cook for 5-6 minutes until it begins to soften and begin to turn translucent.
- Add the rice, and stir until coated with oil. Add the grated carrot, turmeric, salt cumin, coriander and orange zest, stirring for 2-3 minutes to coat the rice.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook, covered, for 15 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the dates and raisins and let sit for 5 minutes for the fruit to hydrate slightly.
- Add the pomegranate seeds and fresh mint just before serving.
