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Zereshk Polo: Saffron Barberry Rice With Chicken

By the Healthy Plate team

Zereshk Polo With Chicken

Zereshk polo is the Persian wedding dish: white and saffron rice with zereshk (tart red barberries) and chicken. We cut back on the ghee and sugar usually added to the berries.

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What we changed

  • One spoon of ghee instead of lots
  • Barberries with almost no added sugar
  • Skinless chicken

Zereshk Polo With Chicken

15 minPrep
50 minCook
6Servings
470kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice, soaked
  • 6 skinless chicken pieces
  • ½ cup barberries, rinsed
  • A pinch of steeped saffron
  • 1 onion
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Method

  1. Poach the chicken with onion, turmeric and water for 30 minutes.
  2. Par-boil the rice, drain and steam for 20 minutes.
  3. Sauté the barberries in a spoon of ghee for just two minutes (they burn fast).
  4. Mix some rice with saffron; plate the rice topped with barberries and chicken.
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Tip

Barberries scorch quickly — keep the heat low and cook only a minute or two.

What are barberries?

Zereshk are small, tart red berries sold dried in Persian shops. Rinse and soak 10 minutes before cooking so they plump up.

Frequently asked questions

Barberry substitute?

Unsweetened dried cranberries, or pomegranate seeds.

How do I get crispy tahdig?

Add a spoon of oil to the pot base before layering the rice and keep the heat low.

Is it halal?

Yes — halal chicken, rice, barberries and saffron.

⚠️ For general education only. If you have a health condition or allergy, consult your doctor.