Ingredients

1 cup finely slivered orange peel
2 medium carrots , peeled and cut into thin strips
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup dried barberries , cleaned and drained
1 medium yellow onion , sliced
4 tablespoons grapeseed oil , divided
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon persian advieh mixed spice ( see Advieh )
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
2 tablespoons slivered pistachios
plain yogurt , drained , for garnish
Javaher Polow is one of the most popular Persian rice dishes typically served at weddings or special occasions. The rice dish is ornamented with colorful and flavorful barberries, raisins, slivered oranges, and pistachios. The combination of sweet and sour flavors, nutty and crunchy textures make this dish an irresistible palate-pleaser. The rice itself is cooked to perfection with a crispy, crunchy crust on the bottom that adds an extra depth of flavor and texture. The dish is commonly referred to as 'Jewel Rice', giving homage to its glittering appearance, making it the perfect centerpiece for any dinner table. It's exotic, complex, and absolutely delicious.

Instructions

1.Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under running water and transfer it to a large bowl. Cover with water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Soak for 2 to 24 hours.
2.In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to boil. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling water. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes or until the rice is parboiled.
3.Drain the parboiled rice and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
4.In a non-stick pot, heat 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until lightly golden.
5.Add carrot slivers and barberries to the pot, mix and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the carrots are slightly tender. Remove from the pot and set aside.
6.In the same pot add 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bottom of the pot with a thin layer of rice. Mix advieh and 2 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle the mixture over the rice. Add a layer of the barberry mixture, then a layer of almonds and pistachios. Continue to alternate layers until the rice and mixture have been used up.
7.Cover the pot with a clean dish towel followed by a tightly fitting lid. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until steam starts to come out of the pot.
8.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook for an additional 45 to 60 minutes until a crust forms on the bottom of the pot.
9.Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil. Pour mixture over the crust and allow it to cook for another 5 minutes.
10.Mix the remaining rice with the barberry mixture and serve with slivered orange peel, raisins, and drizzled with plain yogurt on top.

PROS

Javaher Polow is a stunning and delicious centerpiece of any dinner party.
It will have everyone marveling at the beauty of the dish, and the delectable complexity of flavors in this traditional Persian cuisine.
The colorful barberries and saffron are joyful to the eye while the mixture of sweet and sour flavors will make one’s taste buds very happy.

CONS

Javaher Polow is quite time-consuming to make due to the many steps involved, but the end result is worth the effort.

It is high in carbs and calories, so portion control is recommended for those watching their weight.
It’s also high in sugar due to the dried fruits and the addition of sugar in the recipe, so it may not be the best choice for those with diabetes.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Javaher Polow contains barberries, raisins, and carrot, among other ingredients, all of which provide a range of vitamins and minerals beneficial to health.
Carrots are high in Vitamin A, B6, and potassium, which helps the body regulate blood pressure and improve vision.
Barberries contain vitamin C and help the body to naturally detoxify.
Raisins are rich in iron and heart-healthy potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure and the health of the circulatory system.

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