Zereshk Polo Morgh
Saffron rice studded with tart, jewel-like barberries (zereshk) served alongside slow-braised chicken in a golden saffron sauce — Iran's signature celebration dish.
Cuisines
Persian
Best for
Lunch
Dinner
Build a full meal around Zereshk Polo Morgh
Get a matched combo of sides and accents
Recipe
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 60 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
|
2 cups | Basmati rice |
|
2 tablespoons | Salt |
|
2 tablespoons | Vegetable oil |
|
1 cup | Barberry |
|
2 tablespoons | Sugar |
|
1/4 teaspoon | Saffron , threads |
|
1/4 cup | Water , hot |
|
1 medium | Onion , finely chopped |
|
2 tablespoons | Butter |
|
2 pieces | Chicken Breast , boneless and skinless |
|
1/2 teaspoon | Turmeric , ground |
|
1/2 teaspoon | Cinnamon , ground |
|
1 cup | Chicken stock |
|
— | Salt And Pepper , to taste |
Instructions
- 1 Wash and soak the basmati rice in cold water for 30 minutes.
- 2 In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in 1/4 cup of hot water and set aside.
- 3 Rinse the zereshk (barberries) under cold water to remove any debris and soak them in water for 10 minutes.
- 4 In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add 2 tablespoons of salt, and parboil the rice for about 5-7 minutes until it is slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- 5 In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until golden brown.
- 6 Add the chicken pieces to the pan, season with turmeric, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and brown on all sides.
- 7 Pour in the chicken stock, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- 8 In another pan, melt the butter and add the soaked zereshk, sugar, and half of the dissolved saffron. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the barberries are plump.
- 9 In a large pot, layer the parboiled rice with the remaining saffron water, and top with the zereshk mixture.
- 10 Cover the pot with a lid wrapped in a clean kitchen towel and steam the rice over low heat for 20 minutes.
- 11 Serve the rice on a platter with the cooked chicken on the side.
Tips
For extra flavour, use whole spices in the oil first.