Step 1

Combine salt, sweet paprika, turmeric, cumin and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep, non stick skillet with a lid. Add rice and spices and stir well.

Step 3

Cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly and making sure the rice gets well coated with the oil and the spices.

Step 4

Add 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes, remove from heat and let it sit for 15 minutes covered.

Step 5

In the meantime, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non stick skillet.

Step 6

Add onions and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes stirring frequently, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time if necessary, to prevent from burning.

Step 7

Transfer onions to a plate and in the same skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add dried fruit and pistachios or pumpkin seeds and cook over medium low for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 8

Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork, add onions, dried fruit, pistachios and lemon or orange zest and toss well.

Step 9

Right before serving sprinkle pomegranate seeds on the rice.