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.
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
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.
Notes
Use a non-stick pot and oil the bottom well to prevent sticking.
Candied orange peel brings a sweet-bitter contrast — don’t skip it if you can.
To reheat, add a splash of water and cover to keep the rice moist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Rice Dish
- Method: Stovetop Steam
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: jeweled rice, Persian rice, festive rice, saffron rice