**Javaher Polow: A Persian Gemstone of Flavors**
Savor the grandeur of Persian cuisine with Javaher Polow, a resplendent dish that translates to "Jeweled Rice." This culinary masterpiece showcases saffron-infused basmati rice adorned with an array of vibrant gems – glistening barberries, tangy cranberries, golden slivered almonds, and aromatic pistachios. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures, making Javaher Polow a true feast for the senses.
This article presents a collection of carefully curated recipes that guide you through the art of creating this exquisite dish. Discover the secrets behind the perfect basmati rice, the vibrant colors of the jewels, and the harmonious blend of spices.
Embark on a culinary journey to Persia with our comprehensive guide to Javaher Polow. Let your taste buds dance with delight as you savor this iconic dish, fit for a royal feast.
JAVAHER POLOW (PERSIAN JEWELED RICE)
From a local source. A time consuming recipe but well worth the effort. Note: this is intended to be served with my Recipe #253159 . For festive occasions!
Provided by COOKGIRl
Categories Rice
Time 1h55m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Begin by preparing Basmati Polow (Recipe #253159) and set aside.
- Place the slivered orange slices in a saucepan and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, drain to remove bitter taste.
- Place the orange peel, carrots and sugar in a saucepan. Add 1 cup water, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Soak the barberries by placing them in a colander fitted inside a large bowl full of cold water. Soak 20 minutes.
- Remove colander from bowl, run berries under cold water. Drain and set aside.
- In a large non-stick pan over medium heat sautè the sliced onion in 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil until the onions are translucent and soft.
- Add the drained barberries and raisins. Cook for *only* 2 minutes because barberries burn easily! Remove from heat; set aside.
- You, Dear cook, have two options for serving the polow, (assuming your rice is prepared):.
- Option 1: Mix the rice and barberry mixture with the orange peel mixture. Stir in the advieh and the nuts. Serve yogurt on side.
- Option 2: Layer the rice, barberry mixture and orange peel mixture. Sprinkle nuts on top. Serve yogurt on side.
- I prefer Option 2. Your choice!
- Cooking time includes preparing the saffron rice.
STUNNING JAVAHER POLOW - PERSIAN JEWELLED RICE
Javaher Polow is one of the most famous Persian dishes in the world. It is absolutely stunning to look at - so much so that you might even feel a bit guilty eating it! There are a few stages to making this rice but honestly it isn't difficult & is well worth the effort.
Provided by Um Safia
Categories Long Grain Rice
Time 1h22m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cut the rind of the oranges in long strips, avoid the white pith.
- Peel a large carrot and continue to peel the flesh to obtain long, flat carrot strips. You can also use a very flat knife with a very steady hand or a mandoline.
- Julienne the orange strips - cut sideways into tiny sticks. These will stand out on the rice like tiny orange jewels. You could also cut them in diamond shapes - that would be in the dish's spirit.
- In a small saucepan combine the orange rind with 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Strain. This step helps getting rid of the rind's bitterness.
- Combine one cup sugar with one cup water (picture), bring to a boil and add both orange rind and carrot strips. Boil gently for 10 minutes, strain and reserve. This process partially candies the orange and carrot.
- Jeweled rice called has to be made with the magical spice mix called advieh. For this recope, make it fresh by grinding the cinnamon, cumin seeds, dried rosebuds & green cardamom pods (seeds only - remove the husk).
- Wash the rice in twice its volume in water, wash and strain. Do this as many times as needed for the water to be totally transparent.
- Boil the rice in salted water until it softens but remains slightly crunchy, 9-12 minutes. Stir to ensure grains are fully separated, strain and reserve.
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pan with a tight fitting lid. This is important as it will prevent the rice crust from sticking - add more rather than less. Mix 4 tbsp of the partly boiled rice with 1 tbsp yoghurt and a drop of saffron water. Spread this mixture in a layer at the bottom. It will turn into a delicious golden crust, the hallmark of Persian rice dishes.
- Cover the rice-yoghurt layer with two ladles of rice and add a fourth of the orange-carrot strips. Sprinkle some advieh (the spice mix) on top, and add another layer of rice and continue like before until you run out of ingredients. Try to shape the rice into a hill inside the pan so it will have room to expand.
- Add a generous amount of advieh on top and pour the rest of the melted butter and saffron water and half a cup water. Cover tightly, possibly using a towel wrapped all around the top of the pot to prevent any leakage. Cook over low heat for about 45 minutes.
- While the rice finishes cooking, prepare the garnish.
- Soak 1 cup barberries and half a cup raisins into 2 cups warm water for 20 minutes. Thinly slice an onion and gently fry it in 2 tbs/25 gr butter until soft and brown.
- Add the strained barberries and raisins and cook for one more minute. Reserve.
- On a baking tray place the almonds and, if you want, the pistachios. Toast for about 10-15 minutes at 180°C while watching them continually. Nuts are easily overtoasted! Alternatively, you can gently fry them in a non-stick pan with a little oil or no oil.
- Prepare a large serving platter, if possible of Persian or at least Arab origin. Carefully pile the rice in a nicely shaped mound and garnish with the Berberis/pomegranite -raisin-onion mixture and nuts.
- Scatter a few rose petals over the top & serve.
- Note: A good deal of what makes this dish royal is its presentation. Be careful when laying the berberis on top and take some time to make a nice ring of nuts all around the rice. The rice at the bottom of the pot will form a delicious golden crust, crunchy and flavored with saffron. This is the part Persians all desire, they call it tah-dig. Scrape it and serve one piece on each plate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 733.1, Fat 35, SaturatedFat 14.3, Cholesterol 54.1, Sodium 197.6, Carbohydrate 95.3, Fiber 8.8, Sugar 14.6, Protein 14
Tips:
- To achieve the best results, use high-quality, fragrant Basmati rice.
- Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch and help it cook evenly.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid to cook the rice. This will help distribute heat evenly and prevent the rice from burning.
- Be careful not to overcook the rice. It should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
- For a more flavorful dish, use a flavorful stock or broth to cook the rice.
- Add the desired toppings and mix them gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.
- Serve Javaher Polow warm, garnished with fresh herbs and nuts.
Conclusion:
Javaher Polow is a delicious and visually stunning Persian dish that is perfect for special occasions. With its colorful combination of rice, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, it is sure to impress your guests. The dish is also relatively easy to make, and it can be tailored to your own preferences by adding or omitting certain ingredients. So next time you are looking for a unique and flavorful rice dish to try, give Javaher Polow a try.
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