Embark on a culinary journey to Iran with Morasa Polo, a dazzling jeweled rice dish adorned with a symphony of mixed nuts and succulent dried fruits. Each grain of saffron-infused rice is a canvas for an exquisite array of pistachios, almonds, raisins, and barberries, creating a tapestry of flavors and textures that captivate the senses. Delight in the rich heritage and intricate craftsmanship of Persian cuisine as you savor this masterpiece, where every bite is a treasure trove of culinary delights.

Ingredients:

  - 2 cups Basmati rice

  - 1/4 cup vegetable oil or ghee

  - 1 large onion, finely chopped

  - 1/2 teaspoon ground saffron dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water

  - 1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as pistachios, almonds, and walnuts), chopped

  - 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and barberries)

  - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  - 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

  - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

  - Salt, to taste

  - 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

  - 1/4 cup rose water (optional)

  - Saffron threads for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.

2- in a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Add the drained rice and cook until it is parboiled, about 6-8 minutes. The rice should be firm but not fully cooked. Drain the rice and set aside.

3- In a large non-stick pot, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown and caramelized.

4- Add the chopped mixed nuts and dried fruits to the pot with the onions. Stir in the ground cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the nuts are lightly toasted and the spices are fragrant.

5- Carefully layer the parboiled rice over the nut and fruit mixture in the pot. Drizzle the dissolved saffron over the rice.

6- If desired, sprinkle sugar and rose water over the rice for added flavor.

7- Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and then with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce the heat to low and steam the rice for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.

8- Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork to mix in the nuts and fruits.

9- Serve the Morasa Polo on a platter, garnished with saffron threads for a luxurious touch.

Enjoy your Iran Morasa Polo, a delightful jeweled rice dish that's perfect for special occasions or gatherings!

Ntritional Values :

2 Cups Basmati Rice:

 - Calories: About 680 kcal

 - Fat: 0.5g

 - Carbohydrates: 148g

 - Protein: 12g 

Benefits: Provides essential energy through carbohydrates and is easier to digest compared to some other rice varieties.

1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil or Ghee:

 - Vegetable Oil

   - Calories: About 480 kcal

   - Fat: 56g

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

   - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds healthy fats and enhances flavor. Vegetable oil is neutral and versatile.

Ghee (Clarified Butter):

   - Calories: About 450 kcal

   - Fat: 50g

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

   - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. Has a higher smoke point and imparts a rich, nutty flavor to dishes.

1 Large Onion, Finely Chopped (about 150g):

 - Calories: About 60 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 14g

 - Protein 1g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants. Onions have anti-inflammatory properties and provide essential nutrients.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Saffron Dissolved in 2 Tablespoons Hot Water:

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds a unique flavor and color. Saffron has antioxidant properties and may improve mood and digestion.

1/2 Cup Mixed Nuts (about 70g):

 - Calories: About 400 kcal

 - Fat: 35g

 - Carbohydrates: 14g

 - Protein: 8g 

Benefits: Provides healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals. Nuts are also rich in antioxidants.

1/2 Cup Mixed Dried Fruits (about 60g):

 - Calories: About 250 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 65g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Adds natural sweetness and dietary fiber. Dried fruits provide vitamins and minerals.

1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon:

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds warmth and flavor. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

1 Teaspoon Ground Cardamom:

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds a unique, aromatic flavor. Cardamom aids in digestion and has antioxidant properties.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin:

 - Calories: About 8 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds an earthy flavor. Cumin aids digestion and has antimicrobial properties.

Salt, to Taste:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

1 Tablespoon Sugar (Optional):

 - Calories: About 50 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 13g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds sweetness if desired. However, use sparingly to avoid excess sugar intake.

1/4 Cup Rose Water (Optional):

 - Calories: About 10 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds a floral aroma. Rose water has antioxidant properties and can aid in digestion.

Saffron Threads for Garnish (Optional):

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor and color. Saffron has potential mood-boosting and digestion-aiding properties.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific brands used, variations in ingredient sizes, and cooking methods. Additionally, optional ingredients like sugar, rose water, and saffron threads for garnish are not included in the breakdown as they are typically used in small amounts and contribute minimal calories or nutrients.