Name: Persian Jeweled Rice
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: 2 cups basmati rice; 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads; 2 tablespoons hot water; 1/2 cup slivered almonds; 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled and slivered; 1/2 cup dried barberries or cranberries; 1/2 cup orange peel, julienned and candied; 1/2 cup carrots, julienned; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons butter or ghee; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt, to taste

Golden, fragrant, and bejeweled with vibrant dried fruits and nuts, Persian Jeweled Rice is a show-stopping dish that’s as stunning on the table as it is satisfying to eat. Known in Persian as “Javaher Polow,” which translates to “jewel rice,” this festive recipe is often served at weddings and special celebrations for its richness, color, and symbolic abundance.

What makes this rice dish truly unforgettable is the contrast of textures and flavors: saffron-kissed basmati rice, sweet slivers of orange peel, tart barberries or cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and soft caramelized carrots. It’s a dish where every bite tastes like a small treasure.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use for Persian Jeweled Rice?

Long-grain basmati rice is the traditional and best option for Persian Jeweled Rice. Its fluffy texture and delicate aroma allow the flavors and garnishes to shine. Rinsing and soaking the rice is essential to prevent clumping and help achieve that signature separate grain finish.

Ingredients for the Persian Jeweled Rice

2 cups basmati rice
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
2 tablespoons hot water
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup pistachios, shelled and slivered
1/2 cup dried barberries or cranberries
1/2 cup orange peel, julienned and candied
1/2 cup carrots, julienned
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter or ghee
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt, to taste

How To Make the Persian Jeweled Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear, then soak it in cold water for 30 minutes. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the drained rice, and parboil for 5-6 minutes until the grains are soft on the outside but still firm in the center. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Infuse the Saffron

Crush the saffron threads in a small bowl and mix with 2 tablespoons of hot water. Let it steep to release its vibrant color and aroma.

Step 3: Sauté the Garnishes

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the julienned carrots and orange peel and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the barberries or cranberries, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until the fruit softens slightly and becomes glossy.

Step 4: Layer and Steam

In a large non-stick pot, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Spread a layer of rice at the bottom, followed by a layer of the sautéed mixture and nuts. Repeat the layers, ending with rice. Drizzle the saffron water over the top. Cover with a towel-lined lid and steam on low heat for 30-40 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Carefully fluff the rice and serve on a platter. Garnish with additional nuts and candied orange peel if desired.

Serving and Storing Persian Jeweled Rice

Persian Jeweled Rice is a luxurious centerpiece, ideal for holidays or dinner parties. Serve it alongside roasted lamb, chicken, or as a stand-alone vegetarian delight.

To store leftovers, transfer the rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?

Use a non-stick pot and oil the bottom well. Also, parboiling the rice beforehand helps keep it fluffy.

Can I use dried fruits other than barberries?

Yes! Dried cranberries or cherries are good substitutes if you can’t find barberries.

What does candied orange peel taste like?

It’s sweet, slightly bitter, and adds a bright citrus note that contrasts beautifully with the savory rice.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all your ingredients are gluten-free, Persian Jeweled Rice is naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the entire dish a day ahead and reheat it gently before serving.

Want More Rice Dish Ideas?

If this Persian Jeweled Rice has won your heart, you’ll enjoy exploring these flavorful companions:

Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole when you’re craving comfort food with a kick.
The Best Taco Rice Recipe for a Tex-Mex twist on traditional rice.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you’re in the mood for creamy indulgence.
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables to pair alongside for a colorful veggie boost.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta as a rich main dish that complements the rice.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board to revisit it for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want to impress.

And tell me how yours turned out! Did you go traditional with barberries, or use cranberries instead? Did you add a twist of your own? I love seeing your versions.

Catch daily new ideas and more visual inspiration over on my Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Persian Jeweled Rice

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Persian Jeweled Rice, or “Javaher Polow,” is a luxurious, aromatic rice dish enriched with saffron, sweet and tart dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and caramelized vegetables. This vibrant and festive dish is traditionally served at Persian celebrations and pairs beautifully with meats or stands alone as an unforgettable vegetarian centerpiece.

Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice until water runs clear and soak it in cold water for 30 minutes.

2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the drained rice, and parboil for 5–6 minutes until the grains are soft outside but firm inside. Drain and set aside.

3. Crush saffron threads and mix with hot water; let it steep to release its color and aroma.

4. In a skillet, melt butter. Sauté carrots and candied orange peel for 3–4 minutes. Add barberries or cranberries, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until soft and glossy.

5. In a large non-stick pot, heat oil. Layer rice, sautéed fruit mixture, and nuts. Repeat until done, ending with rice. Drizzle saffron water over the top. Cover with a towel-lined lid and steam on low for 30–40 minutes.

6. Fluff rice gently and serve on a platter, garnished with extra nuts and candied peel if desired.