Zereshk Polo ba Morgh

Method

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1. Rinse the rice in several changes of water until the water runs clear. Cover with cold water and 1 tablespoon of the salt and soak for 30 minutes.

   Mark done Start 30 min timer

2. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat and cook the sliced onion for 8 minutes. Stir in the turmeric, add the chicken and brown for 8 minutes.

   Mark done Start 8 min timer

3. Stir the grated onion, half of the saffron water, the yoghurt, water, salt and pepper into the pan. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, until the chicken is tender.

   Mark done Start 45 min timer

4. Bring 3 litres of water and the rest of the salt to a boil. Drain the rice, add it to the water and boil for 6 to 8 minutes, until the grains are elongated and just tender on the outside. Drain and rinse with warm water.

   Mark done Start 6 min timer

5. Heat the oil and 2 tablespoons of water in a non-stick pot. Mound the rice in the pot, poke a few holes in it and drizzle with the melted butter. Wrap the lid in a tea towel and cover the pot tightly.

   Mark done

6. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and steam for 35 minutes. Mix 3 tablespoons of the rice with the rest of the saffron water.

   Mark done Start 10 min timer

7. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan, add the barberries and sugar and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, until glossy. Do not let them burn.

   Mark done Start 1 min timer

8. Spoon the rice onto a platter, top with the saffron rice and the barberries and pistachios, and serve with the chicken.

   Mark done

Chef’s Tips

• Rinse the barberries briefly and cook them for no more than 2 minutes. They burn and turn bitter.
• Wrap the lid in a tea towel. It absorbs steam so the rice stays fluffy.
• Do not stir the rice once it is steaming. The crust forms undisturbed.

Pairing Suggestions

• Shirazi salad
• Yoghurt with cucumber
• Sabzi (fresh herbs)

Storage & Reheating

Keep in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat the rice with a splash of water.

Common questions

Nutritional Highlights

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.