There’s something about a dish that feels like a celebration but also like a comforting hug. That’s exactly what this Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov offers. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy the mix of textures and aromas that fill the kitchen with every simmer.
One evening, after a long day, I made this plov and was immediately transported by the scent of cinnamon and cumin mingling with toasted almonds. The kitchen smelled like a cozy bazaar, and the colors of the dried apricots and pomegranate seeds sparkling against the fluffy rice made the dish almost too beautiful to eat. But the first forkful was worth the wait—a perfect blend of warm spices, sweetness, and crunch that felt both festive and deeply satisfying. Eating it felt like sharing a secret comfort, a moment of calm and joy.
- Vibrant colors make it as visually stunning as it is delicious.
- Combines sweet dried fruits and crunchy nuts for delightful texture contrasts.
- Aromatic spices bring warmth and depth without overwhelming the palate.
- Vegetarian but hearty enough to satisfy a crowd or family meal.
- Pairs beautifully with simple sides or enjoyed on its own.
If you’re hesitant about cooking with so many spices or ingredients, don’t be. The layering of flavors happens naturally and the process is straightforward. This dish invites experimentation but also guarantees a rewarding result.
PrintJeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov
A vibrant and aromatic vegetarian rice dish inspired by traditional plov, featuring colorful dried fruits, nuts, and fragrant spices for a festive and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/3 cup pistachios, shelled and chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 20 minutes, then drain.
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the julienned carrots and cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground turmeric, and ground black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the drained rice to the pot and stir gently to coat the rice with the spices and vegetables.
Pour in 4 cups of water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to steam the rice.
While the rice is resting, toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, pomegranate seeds, toasted almonds, chopped pistachios, chopped cilantro, and chopped parsley.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the rice and gently mix to combine all ingredients evenly.
Transfer the jeweled vegetarian rice plov to a serving dish and serve warm.
FAQ
Can I prepare this rice plov in advance? Yes, it keeps well refrigerated for a few days and reheats nicely with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free? Absolutely. Since it’s primarily rice and naturally gluten-free ingredients, it’s safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
What sides go well with this dish? A fresh cucumber salad or a dollop of yogurt complements the warm spices beautifully.
Can I swap the nuts or dried fruits? Feel free to use what you have on hand—the dish is forgiving and flexible.
Give this Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov a try and watch how it transforms your dinner into a feast for the senses.