Zereshk Polo ba Morgh

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh (Barberry Rice with Chicken): A Persian Delight That Rivals Your Favorite Chicken and Rice Dishes

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- Introduction

- Ingredients

- Instructions

- What Makes This Dish Special?

- Where to Buy Ingredients

- Zereshk Polo vs. Western Chicken & Rice

- Final Thoughts

Introduction

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh, or barberry rice with chicken, is one of Iran’s most iconic dishes. Its balance of sour barberries, fragrant saffron rice, and tender chicken creates a harmony of flavors that leave a lasting impression. If you're a fan of dishes like lemon-herb chicken with rice or Spanish arroz con pollo, you're going to fall in love with this Persian version.

Not only is it stunning in appearance — with ruby-red barberries sparkling against golden rice — it's also relatively easy to make. This article will walk you through everything: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cultural background, and even where you can buy the ingredients online.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks

- 1 medium onion, sliced

- 2 tbsp tomato paste

- Salt, pepper, and turmeric to taste

- 1 tsp saffron (dissolved in hot water)

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Rice:

- 2 cups basmati rice

- 1/2 cup dried barberries (zereshk)

- 2 tbsp butter

- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance barberry tartness)

- Pinch of salt

- 1 tsp brewed saffron

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: In a pot, heat oil and fry onions until golden. Add turmeric, then the chicken. Add tomato paste and cook briefly. Season with salt and pepper. Add water to cover and simmer until the chicken is tender (about 45 minutes). Finish with saffron.

2. Cook the rice: Wash rice several times. Boil in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Steam the rice (dam-pokht): In a pot, layer rice and let it steam with a towel-wrapped lid for 30–40 minutes. This gives it that fluffy texture and crispy bottom (tahdig).

4. Prepare the barberries: Rinse barberries gently. In a pan, melt butter, add sugar and barberries, and sauté briefly with saffron.

5. Assemble: Serve the rice topped with barberries and saffron, alongside the chicken and its sauce.

What Makes This Dish Special?

- Barberries (Zereshk): These tiny, tart berries give the dish its signature tang. They are unique to Persian cuisine.

- Saffron: The golden threads of saffron add aroma, color, and a distinct taste. It’s the world’s most precious spice — and worth every strand.

- Tahdig: That crispy layer at the bottom of the rice is a treasure!

Where to Buy Ingredients

If you're outside Iran, don't worry. You can find all these ingredients online:

- Barberries: Amazon, Kalustyan’s, or Persian Basket.

- Saffron: Look for high-quality Iranian saffron on Etsy or specialty food stores.

- Basmati rice: Widely available in supermarkets or Indian/Persian stores.

Estimated Cost (U.S.):

- Chicken (4 pieces): ~$5

- Basmati Rice (2 cups): ~$2

- Saffron (1g): ~$10

- Barberries (100g): ~$7

Total: Around $25 for 4 servings

Zereshk Polo vs. Western Chicken & Rice

Zereshk Polo can be a fantastic alternative to common Western-style chicken and rice dishes. While Western recipes might use lemon or herbs, the Persian version is:

- More aromatic (thanks to saffron)

- Visually striking (red and gold contrast)

- Slightly sweet-sour in flavor

If you like Spanish arroz con pollo or Mediterranean lemon chicken, Zereshk Polo is your next favorite dish.

Final Thoughts

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Persian culture. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing it with friends, this dish brings color and character to any table.

Try it once, and it may just become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with tahdig — the crispy rice might steal the show!