Shirin Polo (Persian Jeweled Rice)

Shirin Polo, also known as Persian Jeweled Rice, is a traditional Persian dish that blends sweet and savory flavors. It’s typically made with basmati rice, orange zest, carrot, almonds, pistachios, and saffron.
This rice dish is typically served during special occasions such as weddings or celebrations, often accompanied by proteins like Persian Lamb Shanks or Cooked Chicken.
Yield: Serves 6
- 3 1/2 cups uncooked basmati rice
- 1 cup (50 g) dried sliced orange zest or 100 g fresh sliced orange zest
- 4 cups (280 g) matchstick carrots
- 1/2 cup unsalted almonds, slivered
- 1/2 cup pistachios, slivered
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground saffron
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 teaspoons rosewater (you can find it at any Iranian store)
- vegetable oil
Dried orange zest:

In a large non-stick frying pan, heat 4 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add carrots and sauté for 18-20 minutes. Set aside.
Place orange zest strips in a small pot. Pour 2 1/2 cups water over and bring to a boil. Drain the water. Return orange zest to the pot. Repeat this step 2 more times to take away any bitter flavour that may be present. Drain and transfer to a pot.
Add sugar, carrots, 1-cup water and rosewater to the pot. Cook covered over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Add cardamom and 3/4 teaspoon ground saffron, and cook covered until tender, about 12-15 minutes.
Remove from the heat. Add almonds and pistachios, and mix well. Set the mixture aside.

Meanwhile cook the rice (click for Persian Rice recipe). When rice is ready, in a large bowl mix 2-3 cups of cooked rice with the carrot mixture and set aside.

To serve, place a layer of rice on a serving dish then a layer of mixed rice. Repeat the layers until all the rice and mixed rice are finished.
Serve with Cooked Chicken or Persian Lamb Shanks.
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its nice
Target dish for this Sunday!
good receipe for shirin polo.
very good
One of the best Persian dishes.
I would be glad to try this!
my beloved shirin polow.