Persian Rice with Apricots and Almonds
Shirin Polo, or Persian Sweet Rice, is a fragrant and celebratory rice dish from Iran, often served at weddings and special occasions. It features fluffy basmati rice cooked with saffron, sweetened with sugar or orange blossom water, and studded with tender apricots, slivered almonds, and pistachios.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the rice, with healthy fats and protein contributed by the nuts. A typical serving provides a good amount of dietary fiber, vitamin E, and iron, with a calorie range of approximately 400-500 per generous portion.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 75 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 45 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 3 mg |
| Manganese | 1.2 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Shirin Polo is a beautiful example of the Persian culinary philosophy of balancing sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Nutritionally, the combination of nuts with rice creates a more complete protein profile, and the saffron used is one of the world's most prized spices, known for its distinct color and potential antioxidant properties.
