Zereshk Polo ba Morgh
Persian Barberry Rice with Saffron Chicken
A beloved Persian dish featuring fragrant basmati rice layered with saffron and jeweled with tart, slightly sweet barberries, served alongside tender chicken pieces braised in a rich saffron-infused sauce. The crispy rice crust, known as tahdig, is a highly prized element.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups Basmati rice(High-quality aged basmati rice is recommended for best results. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear, then soak in salted warm water for at least 1 hour.)
- 1 kg Chicken pieces(Bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs and drumsticks work well for flavor and moisture. You can also use boneless, skinless thighs.)
- 1 cup Dried barberries (Zereshk)(Available at Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores. Rinse well and soak in cold water for 15-20 minutes to remove any grit and soften.)
- 0.5 tsp Saffron threads(Grind saffron threads into a powder using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon. Steep in 1/4 cup of hot (not boiling) water for at least 30 minutes to release color and aroma.)
- 100 g Unsalted butter(Divided use. Some for chicken sauce, some for rice, and some for barberries.)
- 2 tbsp Granulated sugar(Adjust to taste depending on the tartness of the barberries.)
- 2 medium Yellow onion(Finely chopped.)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- as needed Water
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(Optional, for searing chicken.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Saffron Water: Grind the saffron threads into a fine powder. Place in a small bowl and add 1/4 cup of hot (not boiling) water. Stir and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the color and aroma to fully infuse.
⏱️ 30 minutes (steeping) - 2
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and turmeric. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil (or 1 tbsp butter) over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside. Add the finely chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the steeped saffron water (reserving about 1-2 tbsp for later), a pinch of salt, and enough water to almost cover the chicken. Return the chicken to the pot, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The sauce should thicken slightly.
⏱️ 1 hour 15 minutes (includes searing, sautéing, and simmering) - 3
Par-boil the Rice: Drain the soaked basmati rice. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the drained rice and boil for 5-7 minutes, until the grains are slightly softened but still have a firm bite (al dente). The grains should start to elongate. Drain the rice immediately in a fine-mesh sieve.
⏱️ 15 minutes (includes draining) - 4
Prepare the Barberries: While the rice is boiling, drain the soaked barberries. In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the drained barberries and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the barberries plump up slightly and the sugar dissolves. Be careful not to overcook or burn them, as they can become bitter. Remove from heat.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 5
Layer and Steam the Rice (Tahdig Method): Rinse the large pot used for boiling rice. Add 2 tablespoons of butter (or oil) to the bottom of the pot and let it melt over medium heat. You can optionally place thinly sliced potatoes or lavash bread at the bottom to create an extra crispy tahdig. Carefully spoon about one-third of the par-boiled rice into the pot, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle about one-third of the sautéed barberries (reserving some for garnish) over the rice. Add another layer of rice, followed by more barberries. Repeat with the remaining rice and barberries, ending with a layer of rice. Poke several holes in the rice with the handle of a wooden spoon to allow steam to escape. Drizzle the remaining reserved saffron water and 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top layer of rice. Cover the pot tightly with a lid, wrapping the lid in a clean kitchen towel to absorb condensation. Place the pot over medium-high heat for about 5-10 minutes to create the initial steam and start the tahdig formation. Then, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let the rice steam for 45-60 minutes, until fluffy and cooked through, and the bottom forms a golden, crispy crust (tahdig).
⏱️ 55-70 minutes (includes initial steaming and low-heat steaming) - 6
Assemble and Serve: Gently fluff the steamed rice with a fork, being careful not to break the grains. Remove the tahdig crust from the pot in one piece if possible. Serve the fluffy saffron rice on a platter, garnished with the reserved barberries and remaining sautéed barberries. Arrange the tender saffron chicken pieces alongside the rice. Spoon some of the rich chicken sauce over the chicken. Serve the crispy tahdig separately or alongside.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the rice is crucial for achieving the perfect fluffy texture and elongating the grains.
- ✓Rinse barberries thoroughly and soak briefly to remove any grit or debris. Sauté them gently with sugar and butter to balance their tartness without burning.
- ✓The tahdig (crispy rice crust) is a hallmark of this dish. Ensure the heat is right during the steaming process to achieve a golden, delicious crust without burning.
- ✓For a richer chicken sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the onions when sautéing.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add slivered almonds and pistachios to the barberry mixture for added texture and visual appeal.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and serve the Zereshk Polo with a side of fried eggplant or mushroom stew.