Rice with Nuts and Dried Fruits
Persian Jeweled Rice, also known as Javaher Polow, is a dazzling dish that lives up to its regal name. Dotted with vibrant dried fruits and crunchy nuts, this traditional Iranian rice pilaf is often served at weddings and festive gatherings. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate—colorful, aromatic, gluten-free, and entirely plant-based!
Whether you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or simply want to treat yourself to something exotic and comforting, this jeweled rice is your golden ticket.
Table of Contents
🥣 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌱 Vegan & Gluten-Free
- 💫 Visually stunning and flavor-packed
- 🕌 Rich in Middle Eastern tradition
- 💪 Nutritious blend of rice, fruits, and nuts
📋 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful rice dish:
- 2 cups basmati rice (400g)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (60ml)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads, dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped (75g)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (60g)
- 1/2 cup golden raisins (75g)
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted (50g)
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios (50g)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (15g)
- 3 cups water or chicken broth (720ml)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 orange
🍚 How to Make Persian Jeweled Rice
Step 1: Rinse and Soak the Rice
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until golden brown (5–7 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 3: Spice it Up
Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer the Rice
Add the drained rice and stir to coat it in spices. Pour in water or broth, saffron water, salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Toast the Fruits
While the rice cooks, lightly toast the apricots, cranberries, and golden raisins in a separate pan until they plump up slightly.
Step 6: Assemble the Magic
After the rice is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Gently fold in the dried fruits, almonds, pistachios, parsley, and orange zest. Season to taste and serve warm.
🧮 Calorie & Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Component | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|
| Basmati Rice (1/2 cup) | 190 kcal |
| Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp) | 120 kcal |
| Onion + Garlic | 25 kcal |
| Dried Apricots (2 tbsp) | 50 kcal |
| Cranberries (2 tbsp) | 46 kcal |
| Golden Raisins (2 tbsp) | 55 kcal |
| Slivered Almonds (1 tbsp) | 52 kcal |
| Pistachios (1 tbsp) | 49 kcal |
| Spices, Orange Zest | 5 kcal |
| Estimated Total (per serving) | Approx. 590–620 kcal |
Note: This recipe yields about 6 servings.
🌍 The Cultural Significance
Persian Jeweled Rice is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Persian culture. Often served during weddings, Nowruz (Persian New Year), or important celebrations, the colorful mix of fruits and nuts symbolizes health, wealth, and happiness. The use of saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world, highlights the dish’s luxurious nature.
📝 Tips for the Perfect Jeweled Rice
- Don’t skip the saffron – it adds authentic flavor and color.
- Use long-grain basmati for the fluffiest texture.
- Toast your nuts and fruits gently to release their natural oils and enhance flavor.
- Add a touch of orange blossom water for extra Persian flair.
🥄 Serving Ideas
Serve Persian Jeweled Rice as a stunning side dish with:
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted lamb or chicken (for non-vegan options)
- A dollop of vegan yogurt or cucumber raita
It’s also perfect as a standalone main course for vegans and vegetarians.
📸 Share Your Jeweled Rice Creation!
Tried this recipe? Snap a photo and tag us using #middleeasternfood and #waniarecipes! We’d love to see how your Persian Jeweled Rice turned out.
📌 Final Thoughts
Iranian Rice with Nuts and Dried Fruits is a masterpiece of Persian cuisine. With its layers of warm spices, jeweled toppings, and comforting rice, it’s sure to become a showstopper at your next dinner table.
Explore more vibrant Middle Eastern recipes on www.waniarecipes.com 🌟
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