Teresa's Recipes
Zereshk e Polow (Persian Barberry Rice with Chicken)
Zereshk e Polow, also known as Persian Barberry Rice with Chicken, is an exquisite dish straight from the heart of Iran. With the delicate balance of savory saffron-infused basmati rice, tangy barberries, and succulent chicken, this dish is a feast for the senses. The final garnish of pistachios adds a lovely crunch and a pop of green, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup, roughly chopped Pistachios
- 4 cups Water
- To taste Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 large, finely chopped Onion
- 4 tablespoons, divided Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Saffron threads
- 1 cup Barberries
- 4, boneless and skinless Chicken thighs
- 2 cups Basmati rice
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 80g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the soaked rice. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the rice is parboiled. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the chicken thighs to the pot with the onions. Sprinkle with turmeric and season with salt. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Add enough water to the pot to just cover the chicken, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- In a small bowl, dissolve saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Set aside for later.
- In a separate pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the barberries and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to plump up.
- Add the saffron water to the barberries and stir well. Remove from heat.
- In a large non-stick pot, start layering the dish. First, add a layer of parboiled rice, followed by some of the sautéed barberries and then a layer of cooked chicken. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of rice on top.
- Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and then with a lid. This helps to trap the steam and make the rice extra fluffy. Cook over low heat for 30-40 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Garnish with chopped pistachios.
- Serve Zereshk e Polow hot and enjoy the symphony of flavors!
Tips
- Zereshk (barberries) are quite tart, so if you prefer a sweeter dish, you can add a tablespoon of sugar while sautéing them. Make sure to use high-quality saffron for the best flavor. You can purchase barberries and saffron from Middle Eastern grocery stores or online.