Morasa Polo (persian Jeweled Rice)

Morasa Polo, also known as Persian Jeweled Rice, is a fragrant and colorful rice dish that is often served at special occasions and celebrations in West Asian cuisine.

Vegetarian Gluten Free Main Course West Asian Rice Persian Special Occasion
Morasa Polo (persian Jeweled Rice)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup slivered pistachios
  • 1/2 cup slivered orange peel
  • 1/2 cup dried barberries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear, then soak the rice in water for 2 hours.
  2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the rice until it is parboiled. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water.
  4. In a separate pan, melt the butter and sauté the slivered almonds, pistachios, and orange peel until lightly golden.
  5. Add the barberries, sugar, and the saffron water to the nut mixture, and cook for a few minutes until the sugar is dissolved.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix the ground cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, nutmeg, and salt.
  7. In a large non-stick pot, layer the parboiled rice with the nut and barberry mixture, sprinkling the spice mix between the layers.
  8. Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and a lid, and cook over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the rice to steam.
  9. Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork to mix in the nuts and barberries.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
45g
Protein
8g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pot Small bowl Non-stick pot

Tools

Kitchen towel Lid Fork

Serving suggestions

Serve Morasa Polo with grilled chicken or lamb kebabs and a side of yogurt cucumber salad.

Tips & tricks

For an extra festive touch, garnish the rice with additional slivered nuts and barberries before serving.

Cost

$15