Persian Jeweled Rice Recipe | Fragrant, Colorful, and Deliciously Unique

Persian Jeweled Rice (known as “Shirin Polow” in Persian) is a gorgeous dish that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. The rice is infused with saffron and rose water, then topped with a colorful mix of dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and barberries, along with crunchy almonds, pistachios, and crispy fried onions. The balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors makes this rice dish a crowd-pleaser for special occasions or family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love Persian Jeweled Rice

Here’s why this dish will become your new favorite:

• Visually stunning: The vibrant mix of colors from the fruits and nuts makes this dish beautiful to look at.
• Fragrant and flavorful: The addition of saffron, cinnamon, and rose water creates an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
• Sweet and savory: The combination of dried fruits and nuts gives it a perfect balance of sweetness and savory richness.
• Versatile: Great as a side to grilled meats, stews, or even on its own.
• Perfect for celebrations: Often served during Persian New Year (Nowruz) or festive occasions, it’s a dish meant to impress.

Persian Jeweled Rice Recipe

This dish is easier to make than it looks! The key is to get the rice perfectly cooked and to layer the flavors of saffron, dried fruits, and nuts. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something so flavorful.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

• 2 cups basmati rice (preferably aged)
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter or ghee
• ½ teaspoon saffron threads, crushed and steeped in 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1 teaspoon rose water (optional, but adds a lovely fragrance)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup raisins (or golden raisins)
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup barberries (optional, but recommended for authenticity)
• ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced and fried until crispy (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse and soak the rice

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice stay fluffy.
2. Soak the rice in a large bowl of water for 30 minutes. Drain before cooking.

Step 2: Cook the rice

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and stir in the soaked rice.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the rice for about 10 minutes, until the grains are partially cooked (you’ll still notice a bite to the rice).
3. Drain the rice in a fine mesh strainer, discarding the cooking water.

Step 3: Layer the rice and spices

1. Return the rice to the pot. In a small bowl, mix the saffron water, rose water (if using), and ground cinnamon.
2. Drizzle this mixture over the rice and stir gently to distribute the spices without mashing the grains.
3. Cover the pot with a lid, and cook over low heat for about 20–30 minutes, allowing the rice to steam. You can place a clean kitchen towel or paper towel between the pot and the lid to absorb excess moisture.

Step 4: Prepare the fruit and nuts

1. While the rice is steaming, in a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the raisins, dried apricots, and barberries. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The dried fruits will become plump and aromatic.
2. Remove the fruit mixture from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Jeweled Rice

1. Once the rice is fully cooked and the grains are tender, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Then, fold in the sautéed fruit and nut mixture.
2. If you like, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of sugar for a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve the Persian Jeweled Rice in a large dish or on a platter.
2. Garnish with the crispy fried onions, toasted almonds, pistachios, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness and color.

Tips for Perfect Persian Jeweled Rice

• Use aged basmati rice: Aged basmati rice has a unique aroma and texture that’s ideal for Persian rice dishes. However, if you can’t find it, regular basmati works fine too.
• Perfectly cooked rice: The key to fluffy rice is to avoid overcooking it. Be sure to drain it when it’s just partially cooked and let it steam to finish cooking.
• Soak the rice: Soaking the rice helps to soften the grains and achieve a fluffier texture.
• Use ghee or butter: Ghee is a traditional ingredient in Persian cuisine and adds an extra richness to the rice. You can substitute it with butter if preferred.
• Use a clean kitchen towel: Place a clean kitchen towel or paper towel between the pot lid to prevent condensation from dripping back onto the rice, which can make it soggy.

Flavor Variations for Persian Jeweled Rice

This recipe is flexible, and you can adjust it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations:

Tropical Twist

• Add dried mango and pineapple along with the raisins for a tropical variation of this dish.

Add Grilled Chicken or Lamb

• For a complete meal, top the rice with grilled chicken, lamb, or beef kebabs. The meat pairs perfectly with the fragrant rice.

Vegetarian Option

• Omit the meat, and use extra vegetables like sautéed carrots, peas, or roasted cauliflower to add more texture to the rice.

Sweeten It Up

• For a sweeter dish, increase the sugar or add a drizzle of honey over the rice before serving.

Spicy Kick

• Add some chopped fresh chili peppers or a pinch of ground cardamom for an extra layer of heat and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Persian Jeweled Rice is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses:

• Grilled meats: Serve with grilled lamb, chicken, or beef for a traditional Persian meal.
• Stews: Pair with a rich Persian stew like Ghormeh Sabzi or Fesenjan.
• Vegetarian options: Serve alongside falafel or roasted vegetables for a complete vegetarian meal.
• Yogurt: A side of tangy yogurt or mast-o-khiar (Persian cucumber yogurt dip) complements the dish beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat

• Storing: Leftover Persian Jeweled Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the rice for up to 1 month. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in a microwave or stovetop with a little water.
• Reheating: Add a small amount of water or broth when reheating to prevent the rice from drying out.

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FAQs

1. Can I use other types of rice?

Basmati rice is traditional, but you can use jasmine rice or long-grain rice if needed. The texture and aroma might differ, but it will still work.

2. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or cilantro can be used in place of dried herbs. Add them at the end of cooking for a fresh, vibrant flavor.

3. What is the best way to cook rice without burning it?

Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid and keep the heat low. Steaming the rice with a towel under the lid helps prevent burning.

4. Can I skip the rose water?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of rose water, you can omit it, or substitute it with orange blossom water or simply use lemon zest for fragrance.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Persian Jeweled Rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. It also reheats beautifully.

6. How do I make the rice more colorful?

Add saffron for a golden color, and use a variety of dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, and raisins to enhance the visual appeal.

7. Can I add nuts to the rice?

Yes! Toasted almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts add great texture and flavor. You can also use walnuts or cashews.

8. Is Persian Jeweled Rice sweet?

It has a mild sweetness from the dried fruits and a savory base from the rice and spices. The sugar is optional, depending on how sweet you want it.

9. Can I add meat to this rice?

Yes, Persian Jeweled Rice is often served with lamb or chicken, but it also pairs well with beef or even grilled fish.

10. Can I use frozen barberries?

Yes, you can use frozen barberries. Just thaw and rinse them before adding to the rice.