Description
This recipe for Persian Mixed Rice with Barberries and Pistachios, also known as Zereshk Polo, is a vibrant and flavorful dish. It features fluffy basmati rice layered with a sweet and tart barberry topping, crunchy pistachios, and almonds. It’s a visually stunning and aromatic dish perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a taste of authentic Persian cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 3 tablespoons hot water
- 1/2 cup dried barberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup pistachios, slivered
- 1/4 cup almonds, slivered
- 2 tablespoons rosewater (optional)
- 1/4 cup golden raisins (optional)
- Shredded cooked chicken or lamb (optional)
- Caramelized onions (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in a bowl of salted water for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and the soaked, drained rice. Boil for 5–6 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in the same pot. Spread a thin layer of rice at the bottom for tahdig.
- Gently spoon the remaining rice over the tahdig layer, mounding it into a pyramid. Pour the steeped saffron water over the top. Poke holes through the rice.
- Wrap the lid in a clean towel, cover the pot tightly, and steam over low heat for 30–40 minutes.
- While the rice steams, rinse and drain the barberries. Melt butter in a small skillet, add barberries and sugar. Sauté over low heat for 2–3 minutes. Stir in orange zest and cinnamon if using.
- If using golden raisins or slivered almonds, add them to the barberry mixture at the end to warm and toast.
- In a dry pan, lightly toast the slivered pistachios and almonds for 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Gently lift the cooked rice onto a serving platter, preserving its fluffy structure. Sprinkle the barberry mixture, toasted nuts, and optional raisins over the rice.
- If adding cooked chicken or lamb, arrange it on top of the rice. Garnish with caramelized onions if desired.
Notes
- Barberries can be found at Middle Eastern stores or online.
- Be careful not to burn the barberries as they can become bitter.
- The tahdig layer can be enhanced by mixing yogurt and saffron into the bottom rice layer.
- Rosewater adds a lovely floral aroma.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Keywords: Persian Mixed Rice Barberries, Zereshk Polo, Barberry Rice Persian Style, Persian Barberry Rice, Zereshk Polo ba Morgh, Persian Jeweled Rice Barberries