Persian Saffron Chicken Zereshk Polo Ba Morgh is a traditional Persian dish that combines fragrant rice, tart barberries, and aromatic chicken infused with saffron. It's a delicious fusion of savory and sweet flavors that will take your palate to the center of Iran.
Ingredients: 2 cups basmati rice. 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on. 2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 large onion, finely chopped. 1/2 teaspoon ground saffron threads, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water. 1 cup dried barberries zereshk. 1/4 cup sugar. 1/4 cup slivered almonds. 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions: Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the drained rice and cook until it's parboiled partially cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and saut until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sear them on both sides until they turn golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Pour the dissolved saffron over the chicken and add 1/2 cup of water. Cover and let the chicken simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's cooked through and tender. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the dried barberries and sugar. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar melts and the barberries plump up. Remove from heat. In a separate small skillet, toast the slivered almonds over medium heat until they turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Layer the parboiled rice in the large pot, alternating with the saffron-infused chicken pieces and the barberry mixture. Sprinkle ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper between the layers. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook over low heat for 30-35 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to fully cook and steam. Once the dish is ready, gently fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring it's fully cooked and the flavors are well mixed. Top with the toasted almonds. Serve the Persian Saffron Chicken Zereshk Polo Ba Morgh hot and enjoy!
