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Persian Jeweled Rice

This Persian Jeweled Rice dish is a real celebration of taste and aroma, also known as Javaher Polo. A tribute to rice as an ancient staple food, the dish showcases delicious aromas, especially Basmati, and gemstone colors from golden saffron and orange peel to ruby-red barberries, emerald pistachios, and pearly almonds.

  • Medium
  • Serves 4

Method

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups Tilda Original pure basmati rice, rinsed well
  • ½ tsp saffron threads
  • 4 tbsp butter (or coconut oil)
  • ¼ tsp fennel seeds
  • ¼ tsp cumin seeds
  • ¼ tsp of ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp of ground cardamom
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • finely julienned rind of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup dried barberries
  • 3/4 cup dried apricots, diced
  • ½ cup orange peel
  • ½ cup cup slivered almonds, toasted
  • ½ cup pistachios, toasted
  • 1 pomegranate seeded for garnish
  • ½ cup of Butter

Method

  1. Mix the saffron threads into a 4 tsps of hot water, Set aside.

  2. Soak the rice for 30 minutes in cold water. Rinse the rice thoroughly when you drain it and set aside.

  3. Melt the butter in a large skillet and saute the fennel and cumin seeds until they are fragrant, just a minute or two. Add the cinnamon, cardamom and allspice and stir to combine. Add the onion and saute over low heat until the onion is softened, about 10 minutes.

  4. Add in the rice and saute it for a minute or 2 with the spices and onion.

  5. To 35 ounces of water add the bay leaves and lemon rind. Stir to combine, season with salt and fresh cracked black pepper.

  6. Add in the fruit and nuts, stir to combine, and cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid. Cook on low to medium heat for about 8 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it sit, covered to let it steam dry. Add the saffron water in swirls and let this sit for another 10 minutes.

  7. When the rice is done, fluff it, remove the bay leaves, and spoon onto a large platter. Scatter the pomegranate seeds on top to garnish.