Description
Persian Jeweled Rice (Javaher Polow) is a stunning and festive rice dish filled with aromatic saffron, tart berries, sweet citrus peel, crunchy nuts, and colorful garnishes. Traditionally served at weddings and celebrations, this dish brings elegance and vibrant flavor to any table.
Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice
1 teaspoon salt (for soaking water)
½ teaspoon saffron threads
2 tablespoons hot water (to bloom saffron)
⅓ cup barberries or dried cranberries
1 tablespoon sugar (for berries)
¼ cup candied orange peel, chopped
½ cup slivered almonds
½ cup shelled pistachios
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons butter or ghee (plus more for layering)
½ teaspoon salt (for seasoning rice)
½ cup pomegranate arils (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in salted water for 30 minutes.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and cook for 6–7 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Bloom saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Let it steep while preparing other ingredients.
4. In a small pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté barberries (or cranberries) with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Set aside.
5. In the same pan, lightly sauté chopped candied orange peel for 1–2 minutes. Set aside.
6. Toast almonds and pistachios until fragrant. Set aside.
7. Caramelize the sliced onions in butter until golden brown. This adds a sweet-savory depth.
8. In a non-stick pot, add a spoon of ghee or butter. Layer a third of the rice, then some saffron rice, followed by nuts, berries, orange peel, and onions. Repeat layers.
9. Cover the pot lid with a clean towel and place it tightly on top. Steam on low for 30–40 minutes.
10. Carefully fluff the rice and plate it. Top with pomegranate arils and any reserved toppings. Serve warm.
Notes
Use a towel-wrapped lid to absorb condensation and avoid soggy rice.
For a deeper flavor, soak saffron in warm water at least 10 minutes before use.
If you want tahdig (crispy rice bottom), increase butter and let the rice cook undisturbed on low.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: jeweled rice, Persian wedding rice, saffron rice